Average Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn an average annual salary of $105,420. This figure is slightly below the national average of $107,350, suggesting a localized compensation structure that may be influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Iowa market. While the nominal salary is competitive, understanding the local economic landscape is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $105,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,160.
- Outlook: The Des Moines-West Des Moines area supports a workforce of 270 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, indicating a stable, albeit not exceptionally large, professional community. The Location Quotient of 1.43 signifies a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a robust demand or a strong presence of mental health services within the region. This concentration points to a healthy job market for psychologists in this locale.
Salary Overview
The average Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA earns-1.8%below the national average.
$50.7
$2,027
$8,785
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Des Moines-West Des Moines is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased awareness of mental health, evolving healthcare policies, and inflation typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in this field.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary Distribution in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Salary progression for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of expertise, client management, and potential leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $63,860 | $30.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $79,065 | $38 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $101,880 | $49 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $131,775 | $63.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,160 | $78.9 |
Detailed Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$105,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$105,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $105,420 in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a psychologist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
0.671
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.43, Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA, demonstrates a concentration of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists that is 43% higher than the national average. This suggests a strong regional demand for these services and a potentially competitive, yet abundant, job market where professionals are actively sought after.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Ames, IA Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $104,230↓ 1% | 31 mi |
| Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $97,690↓ 7% | 37 mi |
| Northwest Iowa nonmetropolitan area Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $113,110↑ 7% | 37 mi |
| Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $116,910↑ 11% | 37 mi |
Comparing salaries near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median annual salary for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is $105,420. This typically ranges from $63,860 for entry-level positions to $164,160 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 1.8% lower than the national median of $107,350.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a lucrative place for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $105,420 is very close to the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, the purchasing power is equivalent to the national standard.
Is Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA a good place to live for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Ames, IA ($104,230) and Southeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local psychologist workforce compare to the national average?
The Des Moines-West Des Moines area has a higher concentration of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.43, meaning there are 43% more professionals per worker than the national average.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
The metric of 0.671 jobs per 1,000 workers in Des Moines-West Des Moines suggests the prevalence of psychologist roles within the broader local employment landscape, providing context for job availability.
How does experience impact a psychologist's salary in this region?
As with most professions, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level psychologists earning less than senior practitioners who possess specialized skills and a proven track record, leading to higher salary potential.
Is the job market for psychologists saturated in Des Moines-West Des Moines?
While the Location Quotient indicates a higher concentration, it also suggests a robust demand for these services, implying a healthy and active job market rather than a saturated one.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area with a job density of 0.671 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA