Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Tukwila, WA: $104,920 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Tukwila, WA earns a median $104,920/year (≈ $50.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Tukwila's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $97,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Tukwila, Washington, the clinical and counseling psychologist market reflects a favorable median annual salary of $104,920, which is slightly below the national median of $105,689 for 2026. The salary range here is diverse, with entry-level positions earning around $63,117 while the most experienced professionals can command up to $162,626. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS estimates projected to 2026, illustrate a competitive landscape, albeit with limited local employment numbers. With only four clinical and counseling psychologists currently working in the area, Tukwila's market appears relatively niche, indicating potential for growth, especially as demand for mental health services continues to rise.
About the Tukwila Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,117 | $30.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,966 | $37.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,920 | $50.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,297 | $64.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,626 | $78.19 |
Median Salary Position
0.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tukwila
In Tukwila, WA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,509 (2026 est.). At $104,920, the local median is 0.73% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tukwila: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tukwila Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Tukwila median: $104,920/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tukwila Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $113,550 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -0.73% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tukwila, WA earn a median of $104,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.73% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.60% below the Washington state average of $113,550.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tukwila has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tukwila, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,920 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $97,691 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$81,910
2025 BLS Actual
$99,848
2026 Current Est.
$104,920
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tukwila (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $81,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,474 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,401 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,424 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,920 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,250 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tukwila metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $81,910 (2021) to $99,848 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,250 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,340 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tukwila 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) | $63,117 – $76,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,966 – $104,920 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,920 – $134,297 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,297 – $162,626 |
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 Tukwila
Analyzing the local job market, the relatively small workforce of clinical and counseling psychologists in Tukwila suggests a concentrated environment where competition for positions might be low. The region's cost-of-living index of 107.4 indicates that expenses are higher than the national average, impacting real purchasing power despite the impressive salary figures. In Tukwila, larger healthcare organizations generally offer the most competitive pay and benefits, whereas specialized clinics or private practices may provide different incentives, such as flexible hours or enhanced job satisfaction. Factors contributing to the salary range include varying employer sizes and the demand for specific specialty certifications. To maximize earning potential in Tukwila, candidates should consider pursuing additional training in in-demand areas and seek opportunities with larger employers, as these can often provide both better pay and a more substantial benefits package.
More salary data for Tukwila, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Tukwila, WA in 2026?
Is Tukwila, WA a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Tukwila?
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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 $99,848 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Tukwila 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 Tukwila 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