Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Spartanburg, SC: $145,473 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Spartanburg, SC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $145,473/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Spartanburg's price premium (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $158,987 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
Opportunities abound for seasoned clinicians in Spartanburg, particularly at the top tier of the salary spectrum. In 2026, senior clinical and counseling psychologists can expect to see salaries reaching as high as $145,473, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $120,132. This represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $93,853, highlighting the experience premium that seasoned professionals command in this market. For those aiming to hit that upper echelon of earning potential, specializing in areas such as neuropsychology or child therapy can be instrumental, as these fields often command higher fees and demand a higher level of expertise. The potential for growth remains strong—especially as Spartanburg's job market expands—offering a clear path to increased compensation for those with advanced skills and years of experience.
About the Spartanburg Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($75,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spartanburg
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Spartanburg earn between $120,132 and $145,473 per year (2026 est.). This $91,038 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Spartanburg median of $93,853 sits 11.2% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Spartanburg | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $93,853 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,132 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $145,473 | $190,153 |
In Spartanburg, 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 Spartanburg
Advanced Certifications in South Carolina
SC clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $93,853 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Spartanburg employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Spartanburg command premium compensation, often reaching the $120,132–$145,473 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg 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 South 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 Spartanburg
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
AdvancedSpartanburg ranks #13 of 26 South Carolina cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $145,473).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Spartanburg ($145,473) is 0.13% below the South Carolina average P90 ($145,656).
2021 BLS Actual
$128,112
2025 BLS Actual
$138,440
2026 Current Est.
$145,473
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Spartanburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $128,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $131,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $138,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $145,473 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $152,863 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Spartanburg saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $128,112 in 2021 to $138,440 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 $152,863 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg
In Spartanburg, various types of employers play a notable role in shaping compensation structures for senior clinical and counseling psychologists. Private practices may offer more flexibility in pay scales but often provide less extensive benefits compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers, where additional resources and support could lead to higher earnings. Roles in specialty clinics tend to offer competitive pay, especially for advanced practitioners who hold credentials like the Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP). As professionals ascend to positions such as clinical coordinator or department director, salary increases can be complemented by non-monetary incentives, such as improved benefits packages and shift differentials, further enhancing their total compensation. Fostering leadership skills and obtaining additional certifications can also pave the way for career advancement, driving the potential for salary growth in the region's evolving healthcare environment.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Spartanburg in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Spartanburg?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Spartanburg?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Spartanburg?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Spartanburg?
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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 $138,440 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg 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