Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Wilmington, NC: $146,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Wilmington, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $146,723/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Wilmington's price premium (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $152,168 in average-cost America. The 82% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wilmington, North Carolina, senior clinical and counseling psychologists have the potential to command impressive salaries, particularly at the top of the pay scale. With the 2026 projected annual salary reaching up to $146,723, professionals in this field have a unique opportunity to significantly enhance their earnings, especially compared to the median salary of $80,596. The salary range from $51,384 to $146,723 reflects the experience premium available to seasoned psychologists. Achieving this high earning potential typically requires not just years of practice but also specialization in areas such as neuropsychology or trauma-informed care and advanced credentials, which can make a substantial difference in remuneration.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Wilmington earn between $101,865 and $146,723 per year (2026 est.). This $95,339 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Wilmington median of $80,596 sits 23.74% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Wilmington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,596 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,865 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $146,723 | $190,153 |
In Wilmington, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 82.05% 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 Wilmington
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $80,596 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Wilmington employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Wilmington command premium compensation, often reaching the $101,865–$146,723 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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 North Carolina 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 Wilmington
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
AdvancedWilmington ranks #14 of 44 North Carolina cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $146,723).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Wilmington ($146,723) is 23.48% below the North Carolina average P90 ($191,744).
2021 BLS Actual
$125,840
2025 BLS Actual
$139,630
2026 Current Est.
$146,723
2021–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wilmington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $125,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $127,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $149,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $139,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $146,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $154,177 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Wilmington saw their compensation grow 11.0% from $125,840 in 2021 to $139,630 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 $154,177 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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 Wilmington
The variation in senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Wilmington is influenced by factors such as employer type and specialized skills. For instance, those in private practice may set higher rates than those employed in community health centers or larger healthcare organizations, where salaries might be more standardized. Specialties focusing on mental health issues such as addiction or eating disorders often offer increased compensation due to rising demand in these areas. Moreover, pursuing advanced certifications like a Clinical Psychologists' Certification can further elevate earning potential. Non-salary compensations, including flexible hours, shift differentials, and benefits packages, also play a significant role in attracting seasoned professionals, adding another layer to the comprehensive remuneration landscape for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists in NC.
More salary data for Wilmington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Wilmington in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Wilmington?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Wilmington?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Wilmington?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Wilmington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $139,630 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Wilmington 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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