Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Plano, TX: $131,674 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Plano, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $131,674/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Plano's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $137,160 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 Plano, Texas, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists have notable potential for high earnings, particularly at the top tier of the market. In 2026, professionals at the 90th percentile can expect to earn $131,674, while those at the 75th percentile will see salaries of approximately $108,737. This reflects a significant experience premium, considering the median annual salary for the position is projected at $84,951. The substantial gap between the median and top earners emphasizes the rewarding nature of advancing one's career through specialization and experience in this field. Achieving these upper salary levels often requires a combination of advanced degrees, extensive clinical experience, and a reputation for delivering effective therapeutic outcomes in a competitive job market like Plano.
About the Plano Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($75,840) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plano
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Plano earn between $108,737 and $131,674 per year (2026 est.). This $82,402 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plano median of $84,951 sits 19.62% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Plano | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,951 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,737 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $131,674 | $190,153 |
In Plano, 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 Plano
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $84,951 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plano employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Plano command premium compensation, often reaching the $108,737–$131,674 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plano 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 Plano 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 Texas 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 Plano
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
AdvancedPlano ranks #16 of 109 Texas cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $131,674).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Plano ($131,674) is 5.97% below the Texas average P90 ($140,030).
2021 BLS Actual
$115,960
2025 BLS Actual
$125,308
2026 Current Est.
$131,674
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Plano (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $115,960 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $125,308 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $131,674 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $138,363 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Plano saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $115,960 in 2021 to $125,308 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 $138,363 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plano 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 Plano
Compensation for senior clinical and counseling psychologists in Plano can vary considerably based on factors such as employer type and area of specialization. Roles in private practice, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics often offer higher salaries compared to community health centers, reflecting the demand for expertise in niche areas like trauma therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques. Leadership positions, such as clinical coordinator or department director, provide further opportunities for enhanced compensation and career advancement. Moreover, acquiring advanced certifications, including credentials recognized on a national level, can significantly influence salary. While the base salary figures are compelling, top earners also benefit from non-salary compensation elements such as flexible scheduling, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits packages, making senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay in TX particularly competitive when weighed against the cost of living.
More salary data for Plano, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Plano in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Plano?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Plano?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Plano?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Plano?
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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 $125,308 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Plano 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 Plano 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