Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC: $95,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Myrtle Beach, SC earns a median $95,130/year (≈ $45.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Myrtle Beach's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $103,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $95,130. This figure reflects a local market where only five professionals are currently employed in the field, suggesting a relatively low saturation. The salary range for this occupation spans from $57,328 at the 10th percentile to a high of $147,451 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, show a pay structure that indicates significant potential for growth and variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type. The tighter job market may contribute to opportunities for those able to position themselves effectively within this small community.
About the Myrtle Beach Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($75,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,328 | $27.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,267 | $34.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,130 | $45.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,767 | $58.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,451 | $70.89 |
Median Salary Position
9.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, SC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,123 (2026 est.). At $95,130, the local median is 9.99% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Myrtle Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Myrtle Beach Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Myrtle Beach median: $95,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Myrtle Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $96,677 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -9.99% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Myrtle Beach, SC earn a median of $95,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.60% below the South Carolina state average of $96,677.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Myrtle Beach has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Myrtle Beach, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $95,130 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,967 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$74,266
2025 BLS Actual
$90,531
2026 Current Est.
$95,130
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Myrtle Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $74,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,785 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,963 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $74,266 (2021) to $90,531 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,963 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,697 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,328 – $72,267 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,267 – $95,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,130 – $121,767 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,767 – $147,451 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach's cost of living index stands at 91.5, which is lower than the national average, implying favorable conditions for purchasing power among local psychologists. Given that private practices and large healthcare organizations are typically the highest payers, professionals seeking optimal compensation should target these employment types. Factors influencing the notable salary spread include differences in specialization, shift differentials, and the benefits packages offered by larger employers. To enhance earnings potential, a clinical and counseling psychologist in Myrtle Beach could consider acquiring specialized credentials, which can provide leverage in negotiations, and seek opportunities in high-demand areas, ensuring they stay competitive in this market. By understanding the dynamics of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Myrtle Beach, SC, professionals can make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2026?
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Myrtle Beach?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,531 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Myrtle Beach is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov