Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Scranton, PA: $165,564 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $165,564/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $176,968 in average-cost America. The 72% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Securing a senior role as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Scranton, Pennsylvania presents a lucrative opportunity for experienced professionals. With a median annual salary of $96,054 projected for 2026, the earning potential for those at the top level reaches an impressive $165,564. This top-tier compensation significantly surpasses the median, illustrating the substantial experience premium available in this market. To achieve such a high salary in Scranton, psychologists often specialize in niche areas, take on leadership roles, and build a strong reputation in the field, enabling them to command salaries that reflect their advanced skills and contributions.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $128,408 and $165,564 per year (2026 est.). This $100,026 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $96,054 sits 9.12% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,054 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,408 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $165,564 | $190,153 |
In Scranton, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 72.37% 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 Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $96,054 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $128,408–$165,564 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton 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 Scranton 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 Pennsylvania 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 Scranton
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
AdvancedScranton ranks #6 of 24 Pennsylvania cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $165,564).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Scranton ($165,564) is 13.54% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($191,488).
2021 BLS Actual
$105,100
2025 BLS Actual
$157,560
2026 Current Est.
$165,564
2021–2027 Growth
+65.5%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $105,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,230 | Actual |
| 2024 | $162,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $157,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $165,564 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $173,975 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow 49.9% from $105,100 in 2021 to $157,560 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 $173,975 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
When evaluating the senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay in PA, it’s crucial to consider the various factors influencing compensation. Specializations in high-demand areas, such as trauma therapy or addiction counseling, can lead to higher pay. Employment context is also significant; those working in private practices may experience different earning dynamics compared to those at large healthcare organizations or community health centers. Advancement opportunities exist leading to positions like clinical director or educator, bolstered by additional credentials such as state licensure and national certifications. Moreover, benefits linked to employer size and organizational structure, alongside potential bonuses for shift differentials or specialized skills, add further value to the overall compensation package for seasoned professionals in Scranton.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Scranton?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Scranton?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Scranton?
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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 $157,560 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Scranton 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