Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Moses Lake, WA: $169,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Moses Lake, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,727/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Moses Lake's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $158,033 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

Senior-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Moses Lake, WA, are in a strong position to command impressive salaries, with the 2026 projected range placing top earners at an annual pay of $169,727. This competitive figure sits well above the national top tier, where the high end is $105,689, indicating a robust local market that rewards experience. For those holding significant tenure—typically over seven years—the experience premium becomes noticeable, as they can differentiate themselves from the median salary of $109,502. Attaining such high compensation often requires specialized skills or certifications, along with a reputation for excellence in practice, allowing senior professionals to position themselves effectively in this successful market.
About the Moses Lake Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moses Lake
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Moses Lake earn between $140,162 and $169,727 per year (2026 est.). This $103,984 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moses Lake median of $109,502 sits 3.61% above the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Moses Lake | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $109,502 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,162 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,727 | $190,153 |
In Moses Lake, 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 Moses Lake
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $109,502 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moses Lake employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Moses Lake command premium compensation, often reaching the $140,162–$169,727 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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 Washington 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 Moses Lake
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
AdvancedMoses Lake ranks #34 of 49 Washington cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $169,727).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Moses Lake ($169,727) is 4.19% below the Washington average P90 ($177,146).
2021 BLS Actual
$149,472
2025 BLS Actual
$161,522
2026 Current Est.
$169,727
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Moses Lake (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $149,472 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,659 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $161,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $178,349 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Moses Lake saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $149,472 in 2021 to $161,522 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 $178,349 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake
Compensation for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists can vary notably depending on the type of employer. In Moses Lake, professionals might find premium pay particularly in private practice settings, specialty clinics, and large healthcare organizations that value unique expertise. Leadership roles, such as clinical coordinators or department directors, can further enhance earning potential, as these positions come with increased responsibilities. Additional certifications like Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP) can elevate status and pay within Washington's competitive landscape. Moreover, various factors such as non-salary benefits, shift differentials, and employer size can significantly influence overall compensation at this level. Understanding the nuances of job structure within the local market will be essential for psychologists aiming to maximize their income and career trajectory in Moses Lake.
More salary data for Moses Lake, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Moses Lake in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Moses Lake?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Moses Lake?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Moses Lake?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Moses Lake?
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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 $161,522 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Moses Lake 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 Moses Lake 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