Psychologist Pay

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.

$92,147
Median Annual Salary
$44.30/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$53,445
Entry Level (P10)
$142,828
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Pierre, SD — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pierre, SD clinical and counseling psychologist salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileAnnualHourly
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

$53,445$142,828
City Median: $92,147
National: $105,689
P10–P90 Range

12.81% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists in Pierre. The median salary is $92,147, compared to the national median of $105,689.$48.1K$73.6K$99.0K$124.5K$150.0K$53.4K10th Pctl$71.5K25th Pctl$92.1KMedian$117.9K75th Pctl$142.8K90th PctlUS Median$105.7K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in the Pierre metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,772
per week
$7,679
per month
$92,148
per year

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 ToMedian SalaryPierre Pays
South Dakota Average$98,028-6.00% less
National Average$105,689-12.81% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing clinical and counseling psychologist median salary in Pierre ($92,147) with South Dakota average ($98,028) and the US national median ($105,689).Pierre$92,147South Dakota Avg$98,028-6.00%US National$105,689-12.81%

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

$92,147
Nominal Salary
92.8
CoL Index
$99,296
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.

The nominal salary is $92,147. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 92.8, the purchasing-power equivalent is $99,296, a gain of $7,149.$78.3K$89.1K$99.9K$110.7K$121.5K$92,147NominalSalary$99,296CoL Adjusted(CoL: 92.8) 7.76%US Median $105.7K

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 (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for clinical and counseling psychologists in Pierre. Baseline $71,937 in 2025, projected to $96,828 by 2027.$67.0K$75.7K$84.4K$93.1K$101.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$71.9K$78.6K$83.8K$78.8K$87.7K$92.1K$96.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$71,937Actual
2022$78,581Actual
2023$83,786Actual
2024$78,825Actual
2025$87,692Actual
2026(current)$92,147Estimated
2027$96,828Projected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Pierre, SD in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Pierre is $92,147/year ($44.30/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.08% annual growth). Salaries range from $53,445 at entry level (10th percentile) to $142,828 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Pierre at 12.8% below the national median. Full-time clinical and counseling psychologists typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Pierre, SD a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Pierre clinical and counseling psychologist salaries are 12.8% below the national average and 6.0% below the South Dakota state average. The metro area employs approximately 4 clinical and counseling psychologists. With a cost-of-living index of 92.8, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Pierre?

Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists in Pierre (90th percentile) make $142,828/year, which exceeds $100K. The median is $92,147. To reach six figures, clinical and counseling psychologists typically need 5–10+ years of experience combined with specialty certifications and expanded-function credentials.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Pierre?

After adjusting for Pierre's cost-of-living index of 92.8 (where 100 equals the national average), the $92,147 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $99,296 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 7.8% further in Pierre compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for clinical and counseling psychologists seeking strong real wages.

How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Pierre?

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pierre earn a median hourly rate of $44.30, which translates to approximately $92,147/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $25.69 for entry-level positions to $68.67 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem clinical and counseling psychologists sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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