Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Waukesha, WI: $116,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Waukesha, WI earns a median $116,980/year (≈ $56.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $125,246 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The average clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Waukesha, Wisconsin, is projected to reach $116,980 in 2026. This figure situates Waukesha's pay approximately 10.68% higher than the national median of $105,689. With a salary range for this position between $67,848 at the 10th percentile and $181,320 at the 90th percentile, potential earnings are diverse, reflecting experience and specialization. The local employment of 14 clinical and counseling psychologists suggests a competitive market, particularly for those looking to establish or expand their practices in Waukesha.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,980) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,848 | $32.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,226 | $40.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,980 | $56.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $149,735 | $71.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $181,320 | $87.17 |
Median Salary Position
10.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $113,472 (2026 est.). At $116,980, the local median is 10.68% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukesha Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $116,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $123,789 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +10.68% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $116,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.68% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 5.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $123,789.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $116,980 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $125,246 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$91,325
2025 BLS Actual
$111,325
2026 Current Est.
$116,980
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Waukesha (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $91,325 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,759 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,058 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,923 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $91,325 (2021) to $111,325 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,923 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,598 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $67,848 – $84,226 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,226 – $116,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,980 – $149,735 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $149,735 – $181,320 |
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 Waukesha
Professionally, understanding the local job market dynamics is essential for maximizing earnings as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Waukesha, WI. The cost of living index in this area is 93.4, which indicates that the purchasing power for salaries is relatively strong. The highest-paying employers typically include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide better benefits and compensation packages compared to private practices or community health centers. Variations in pay are influenced by factors such as professional credentials, specific areas of expertise, and additional duties like shift differentials. For those wondering how much clinical and counseling psychologists make in Waukesha, a strategic focus on enhancing qualifications and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can lead to better compensation outcomes.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Waukesha, WI in 2026?
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Waukesha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Waukesha?
How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Waukesha?
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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 $111,325 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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