Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Brookings, SD: $140,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Brookings, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $140,450/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Brookings's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $151,347 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
In Brookings, SD, the potential for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists to achieve top-tier compensation is significant, with the highest earners (P90) projected to make $140,450 in 2026. This figure stands out sharply against the local median salary of $90,613, emphasizing the experience premium that professionals in this field can command. To reach such elevated pay, practitioners typically need more than seven years of experience, often enhanced by advanced credentials and specializations in areas such as clinical psychology, neuropsychology, or substance abuse therapy. When comparing Brookings' top compensation to national standards, it is clear that while the city lags behind the national median annual salary of $105,689 by about 14.26%, local senior professionals can still find substantial opportunities for growth and advancement.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($90,410) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brookings
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Brookings earn between $115,984 and $140,450 per year (2026 est.). This $86,014 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brookings median of $90,613 sits 14.26% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Brookings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $90,613 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,984 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $140,450 | $190,153 |
In Brookings, 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 Brookings
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $90,613 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brookings employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Brookings command premium compensation, often reaching the $115,984–$140,450 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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 Dakota 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 Brookings
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
AdvancedBrookings ranks #8 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $140,450).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Brookings ($140,450) is 0.95% below the South Dakota average P90 ($141,792).
2021 BLS Actual
$123,689
2025 BLS Actual
$133,660
2026 Current Est.
$140,450
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Brookings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $123,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $124,671 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $120,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $140,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $147,585 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Brookings saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $123,689 in 2021 to $133,660 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 $147,585 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brookings 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 Brookings
The senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay in SD can vary widely depending on employer type, with private practices often offering competitive salaries but with potentially lower benefits than larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Those specializing in high-demand areas may find themselves in a better position to negotiate favorable compensation packages. Leadership roles such as clinical coordinator or department director not only present chances for increased earnings but also enhance job satisfaction and engagement in the field. Additionally, obtaining advanced certifications, such as Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP), can further elevate one’s standing and salary prospects in Brookings. Factors such as shift differentials, employer size, and a comprehensive benefits structure also significantly influence overall compensation, creating an attractive environment for seasoned professionals looking to maximize their financial potential.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Brookings in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Brookings?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Brookings?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Brookings?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Brookings?
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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 $133,660 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Brookings 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 Brookings 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