Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Brea, CA: $180,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Brea, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $180,213/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Brea's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,340 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For seasoned professionals in Brea, California, the salary landscape for clinical and counseling psychologists reflects significant earning potential, particularly at the upper echelons. In 2026, top earners can expect to see figures reaching $180,213, with the 75th percentile earning an annual salary of $148,822. This presents a substantial gap compared to the median salary of $116,267, highlighting the advantages of extensive experience and specialized credentials. Achieving this level of compensation often requires not only a deep understanding of clinical practices but also expertise in niche areas, effective networking skills, and possibly engagements in leadership roles that increase visibility in the professional community, setting the stage for elevated income opportunities.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brea
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Brea earn between $148,822 and $180,213 per year (2026 est.). This $112,778 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brea median of $116,267 sits 10.01% above the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Brea | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $116,267 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,822 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $180,213 | $190,153 |
In Brea, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay in Brea
Advanced Certifications in California
CA clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $116,267 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brea employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Brea command premium compensation, often reaching the $148,822–$180,213 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brea metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured clinical and counseling psychologists in Brea with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Brea
Clinical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
5-10 yearsClinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBrea ranks #144 of 157 California cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $180,213).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Brea ($180,213) is 7.27% below the California average P90 ($194,350).
2021 BLS Actual
$158,707
2025 BLS Actual
$171,501
2026 Current Est.
$180,213
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Brea (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $158,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $159,967 | Actual |
| 2023 | $160,043 | Actual |
| 2024 | $190,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $171,501 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $180,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $189,368 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Brea saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $158,707 in 2021 to $171,501 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.08% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $189,368 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea 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.
Maximizing Your Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Earnings in Brea
In Brea, a variety of factors contribute to the differential pay observed among senior clinical and counseling psychologists. Specializations such as neuropsychology, child psychology, and substance abuse counseling command higher salaries due to the specialized knowledge required. Additionally, experienced psychologists may find that their employer type significantly affects their compensation; private practices and specialty clinics tend to offer attractive salaries, while community health centers may have more modest pay scales. Those who ascend the ranks into leadership positions, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, can leverage their experience for salary advancement. Earning advanced credentials can also enhance one's professional standing and market value, as certifications recognized by national bodies may lead to better offers. Benefits such as flexible scheduling, comprehensive health plans, and retirement incentives can further enhance the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals in the area.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Brea in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Brea?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Brea?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Brea?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Brea?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $171,501 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Brea metro area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea 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