Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Pierre, SD: $92,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Pierre, SD earns a median $92,147/year (≈ $44.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $99,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pierre, South Dakota, clinical and counseling psychologists have a projected median annual salary of $92,147 for the year 2026. This figure represents a noticeable gap compared to the state average, positioning the city's pay approximately 12.81% lower than the national median salary of $105,689. Salary expectations in Pierre span a wide range, from $53,445 at the 10th percentile to as high as $142,828 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and relevant regional price adjustments, offering a snapshot of the local job market for psychologists in the area. Given the limited number of professionals employed—only four clinical and counseling psychologists—there are unique dynamics that influence compensation within the community.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($90,410) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,445 | $25.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,520 | $34.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,147 | $44.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,948 | $56.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,828 | $68.67 |
Median Salary Position
12.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $89,383 (2026 est.). At $92,147, the local median is 12.81% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Pierre median: $92,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $98,028 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -12.81% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pierre, SD earn a median of $92,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.81% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $98,028.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pierre, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $92,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$71,937
2025 BLS Actual
$87,692
2026 Current Est.
$92,147
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pierre (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $71,937 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,825 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,692 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,828 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $71,937 (2021) to $87,692 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,891 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $53,445 – $71,520 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,520 – $92,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,147 – $117,948 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,948 – $142,828 |
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 Pierre
Focusing on the local employment sector, this market has a small workforce, which might restrict job opportunities but could also create a tighter network among professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, take-home purchasing power in Pierre is comparatively favorable, even if salaries lag behind national averages. Among employers, private practice settings and larger healthcare organizations are likely to offer higher pay compared to community health centers or specialty clinics. Factors contributing to pay variance include specialization, experience level, and the scale of the employer’s operation. To maximize earnings potential in Pierre, psychologists should consider pursuing additional certifications and engaging in continuous professional development, which can attract higher compensation and lead to advancement opportunities. Being adaptable and networking within this compact community can further enhance prospects for those looking to boost their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Pierre, SD.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 $87,692 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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