Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Kahului, HI: $185,744 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Kahului, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $185,744/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Kahului's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $155,695 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
The top clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Kahului, Hawaii, can reach up to $185,744 in 2026, which showcases the potential for significant earnings for skilled professionals. With a median annual salary of $119,834, the income gap between the median and top earners illustrates the premium placed on extensive experience, where seasoned psychologists can elevate their earnings well above the 90th percentile. Achieving such high salary levels often requires advanced practice in specialized fields such as trauma therapy or substance abuse, emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development and acquiring recognized certifications. Those who aspire to this level of income must also consider enhancing their leadership skills, as roles that combine clinical expertise with management responsibilities typically offer greater financial rewards.
About the Kahului Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($80,210) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kahului
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Kahului earn between $153,387 and $185,744 per year (2026 est.). This $116,240 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kahului median of $119,834 sits 13.38% above the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Kahului | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $119,834 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,387 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $185,744 | $190,153 |
In Kahului, 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 Kahului
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $119,834 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kahului employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Kahului command premium compensation, often reaching the $153,387–$185,744 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kahului 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 Kahului 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 Hawaii 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 Kahului
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
AdvancedKahului ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $185,744).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Kahului ($185,744) is 10.99% above the Hawaii average P90 ($167,354).
2021 BLS Actual
$159,530
2025 BLS Actual
$176,764
2026 Current Est.
$185,744
2021–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Kahului (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $159,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $129,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $135,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $176,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $185,744 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $195,179 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Kahului saw their compensation grow 10.8% from $159,530 in 2021 to $176,764 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 $195,179 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
Compensation for senior clinical and counseling psychologists in Kahului can vary significantly depending on the setting. Private practices and specialty clinics, which often focus on niche therapeutic modalities, frequently offer higher salaries in comparison to community health centers or larger healthcare organizations. Obtaining advanced certifications and state licensure is essential, yet credentials such as Clinical Counseling Professional (CCP) and specialized training further boost earning potential. Leadership roles—such as clinical coordinator or department director—are not only viable paths for career advancement but also typically come with increased financial benefits. Additional non-salary factors, like shift differentials and a comprehensive benefits package, often create a more attractive total compensation for experienced professionals in this field.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Kahului in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Kahului?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Kahului?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Kahului?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Kahului?
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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 $176,764 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Kahului 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 Kahului 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