Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Reston, VA: $90,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Reston, VA earns a median $90,537/year (≈ $43.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Reston's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $87,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Reston, Virginia, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $90,537 in 2026, which is roughly 14.34% lower than the national median of $105,689 for the same year. With 16 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in the area, the salary range reveals significant variability, from a low of $52,512 at the 10th percentile to a high of $140,332 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are informed by 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and take into account local cost adjustments, reflecting the potential for growth and competition within this niche market.
About the Reston Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,512 | $25.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,860 | $32.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,537 | $43.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,887 | $55.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,332 | $67.47 |
Median Salary Position
14.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reston
In Reston, VA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,820 (2026 est.). At $90,537, the local median is 14.34% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reston Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Reston median: $90,537/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,574 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -14.34% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Reston, VA earn a median of $90,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.34% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $92,574.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reston has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reston, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,537 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,730 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$70,681
2025 BLS Actual
$86,160
2026 Current Est.
$90,537
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Reston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,681 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,208 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,813 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,136 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reston metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $70,681 (2021) to $86,160 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,136 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,455 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reston 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) | $52,512 – $66,860 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,860 – $90,537 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,537 – $115,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,887 – $140,332 |
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 Reston
Considering the cost of living index in Reston, which stands at 103.2—indicating higher-than-average expenses—pay for clinical and counseling psychologists must provide a balance between compensation and purchasing power. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, often due to larger budgets and a broader range of benefits. The disparity in pay can also stem from specializations within the field, shifts requiring different availability, and the overall size of the employing entity. For those in Reston VA looking to enhance their earnings, pursuing additional certifications or gaining experience in high-demand areas such as trauma and behavioral therapy can be strategic. Understanding how much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Reston requires considering these factors alongside individual qualifications and career trajectories.
More salary data for Reston, VA:
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 $86,160 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Reston 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 Reston 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