Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Long Beach, CA: $162,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Long Beach, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $162,190/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Long Beach's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $143,404 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
Achieving top earners' status as an experienced clinical and counseling psychologist in Long Beach, CA, can be quite lucrative. In 2026, the potential for salary reaches up to $162,190 for the highest earners, with the 75th percentile earning approximately $133,937. This stark contrast highlights a significant experience premium; the median salary of $104,639 reflects the baseline for seasoned professionals, demonstrating the potential for substantial earning growth as one gains expertise and recognition in specialized areas. To reach this top-tier income, practitioners typically need to establish a solid reputation through years of clinical practice, develop niche skills, and possibly add leadership roles that enhance their visibility within the professional community.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Long Beach earn between $133,937 and $162,190 per year (2026 est.). This $101,500 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Long Beach median of $104,639 sits 0.99% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Long Beach | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $104,639 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,937 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $162,190 | $190,153 |
In Long Beach, 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 Long Beach
Advanced Certifications in California
CA clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $104,639 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Long Beach employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Long Beach command premium compensation, often reaching the $133,937–$162,190 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
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
AdvancedLong Beach ranks #153 of 157 California cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $162,190).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Long Beach ($162,190) is 16.55% below the California average P90 ($194,350).
2021 BLS Actual
$142,834
2025 BLS Actual
$154,349
2026 Current Est.
$162,190
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Long Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $142,834 | Actual |
| 2022 | $143,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $144,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $211,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,349 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $170,429 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Long Beach saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $142,834 in 2021 to $154,349 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 $170,429 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
In Long Beach, the highest-paying opportunities are often found within specialized practice areas, such as neuropsychology and trauma-focused therapy, reflecting an increased demand for unique skill sets. Senior-level compensation can also vary widely depending on the type of employer, with private practices and specialty clinics generally offering more competitive salaries compared to community health centers. Advancement to leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, can provide additional pay increases. Moreover, pursuing advanced certifications, including specialized credentials from the national body, can significantly influence earning potential. Alongside monetary compensation, benefits such as flexible scheduling and professional development opportunities further enhance overall compensation for senior clinical and counseling psychologists in CA, making it a strategically advantageous career path.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Long Beach in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Long Beach?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Long Beach?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Long Beach?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Long Beach?
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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 $154,349 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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