Clinical Psychologist Salary
by City (2026)
Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through therapy and research. National median: $95K/year. See how your city compares.
Clinical Psychologist salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $95K Clinical Psychologist salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βClinical Psychologist Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Clinical Psychologist is $95,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $72,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $125,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Clinical Psychologists nationally earn $162,000+.
Education and requirements
PhD or PsyD in Clinical Psychology; state licensure. This role is 40% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Clinical Psychologist compensation is growing at 3.5% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Clinical Psychologist salary FAQ
How much does a Clinical Psychologist make?
The median Clinical Psychologist salary in the US is $95,000 per year β about $46/hour. Most earn between $72,000 (25th percentile) and $125,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Clinical Psychologist?
Entry-level Clinical Psychologist positions typically start around $72,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Clinical Psychologists earn?
The top 10% of Clinical Psychologists earn $162,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Clinical Psychologists the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Clinical Psychologist salary at $133K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Clinical Psychologist salaries going up?
Yes β Clinical Psychologist pay is growing about 3.5% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.