Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in North Charleston, SC: $69,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in North Charleston, SC earns a median $69,758/year (≈ $33.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $76,238 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 27.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary in North Charleston, SC, is projected to reach a median of $69,758, reflecting a notable discrepancy compared to the state average. The salary range spans from $40,460 at the 10th percentile to $108,125 at the 90th percentile, which indicates a diverse pay structure within the field. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, suggest that while local compensation is below the national median of $105,689, the job market in North Charleston remains relatively stable. This context highlights the ongoing demand for mental health professionals in the area.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($75,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,460 | $19.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,274 | $25.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,758 | $33.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,291 | $42.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,125 | $51.98 |
Median Salary Position
34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,665 (2026 est.). At $69,758, the local median is 34% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $69,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $96,752 | -27.90% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -34.00% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $69,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.00% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 27.90% below the South Carolina state average of $96,752.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston 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.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $69,758 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,238 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$54,459
2025 BLS Actual
$66,386
2026 Current Est.
$69,758
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in North Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $54,459 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,082 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,386 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,302 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $54,459 (2021) to $66,386 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,302 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,843 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $40,460 – $52,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,274 – $69,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,758 – $89,291 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,291 – $108,125 |
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 North Charleston
A total of 22 clinical and counseling psychologists are currently employed in North Charleston, providing essential services in a community characterized by a cost-of-living index of 91.5, which is below the national average. This lower index contributes to greater purchasing power, allowing professionals to stretch their earnings further. Among local employers, private practices often offer competitive salaries compared to larger healthcare organizations, while community health centers may provide robust benefits to attract talent. The disparity in compensation often hinges on factors like specialty certifications, years of experience, and the size of the employing organization. To enhance earning potential, psychologists may consider pursuing additional specialties or seeking positions at larger healthcare institutions, which commonly offer more comprehensive benefits and opportunities for advancement. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for anyone aiming to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in North Charleston, SC.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $66,386 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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