Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Bristol, VA: $89,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Bristol, VA earns a median $89,028/year (≈ $42.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $86,267 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in the role of clinical and counseling psychologists in Bristol, VA, can expect a median annual salary of $89,028. Adjusted for the regional cost of living, which sits slightly above the national average at 103.2, this figure reflects both the local market conditions and anticipated compensation trends. The salary range for these psychologists is projected to be from $51,993 at the lower end (P10) to $137,993 at the upper end (P90), indicating significant variability based on experience, specialization, and workplace. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, project an upward trajectory in the profession, suggesting a growing demand for professionals within the region to meet the mental health needs of the community.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,993 | $25.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,180 | $31.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,028 | $42.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,956 | $54.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,993 | $66.35 |
Median Salary Position
15.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,000 (2026 est.). At $89,028, the local median is 15.76% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Bristol median: $89,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,545 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -15.76% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bristol, VA earn a median of $89,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.76% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.80% below the Virginia state average of $92,545.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,028 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,267 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$69,503
2025 BLS Actual
$84,724
2026 Current Est.
$89,028
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bristol (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $69,503 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,183 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,724 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,551 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $69,503 (2021) to $84,724 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,551 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,048 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $51,993 – $66,180 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,180 – $89,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,028 – $113,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,956 – $137,993 |
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 Bristol
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Bristol remains modest, with only six professionals currently employed in this field. Given the higher cost of living, understanding how to optimize compensation becomes essential. Various employers, including private practices, community health centers, and larger healthcare organizations, pay differently based on their structure and resource availability. Factors contributing to salary disparities often include an individual’s credentials, hands-on experience, and the specific demands of the role, such as specialty certifications that may attract higher pay. To maximize earnings potential in Bristol, psychologists should consider positions within larger health systems, which tend to offer more competitive salaries and benefits, while pursuing ongoing education and specialized training to enhance their professional appeal.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Bristol?
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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 $84,724 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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