Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $118,760. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $107,350, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher compensation structures within this specific region. The localized economic factors and the concentration of healthcare and mental health services likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,760 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $228,350.
- Outlook: The job market for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area appears robust, evidenced by a local workforce of 2,160 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.48 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 48% higher than the national average, signaling a strong and potentially growing demand for their specialized skills within this metropolitan hub.
Salary Overview
The average Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+10.6%above the national average.
$57.1
$2,284
$9,897
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing awareness of mental health, evolving healthcare policies, and a growing population likely contribute to sustained demand and upward pressure on compensation for these vital professionals.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists is typically tied to experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching well into the upper percentiles. The increasing salary at higher experience levels reflects a greater depth of expertise, responsibility, and proven efficacy in patient care and psychological services.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,050 | $30.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,070 | $42.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $99,590 | $47.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $148,450 | $71.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $228,350 | $109.8 |
Detailed Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,760
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,760
Adjusted for COL (100)
With a nominal average annual salary of $118,760 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (which is precisely the national average), Clinical and Counseling Psychologists relocating to or working within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area can expect their earnings to align with the national standard in terms of purchasing power. This means the higher salary effectively translates to a comparable standard of living to the national average, without the added financial strain of a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,160
Total Jobs
0.693
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.48 for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, indicates a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market here is not only competitive but also offers a greater abundance of opportunities relative to other regions, making it an attractive area for those seeking specialized roles in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $115,200↓ 3% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $109,080↓ 8% | 35 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $91,450↓ 23% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary | $89,440↓ 25% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $118,760. This typically ranges from $64,050 for entry-level positions to $228,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 10.6% higher than the national median of $107,350.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists.The average salary of $118,760 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($115,200) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $118,760, which is notably higher than the national average of $107,350.
What is the concentration of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in this area?
The Location Quotient is 1.48, meaning this area has 48% more Clinical and Counseling Psychologists per worker than the national average, indicating a higher concentration and demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher local salary of $118,760 offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being diminished by a higher cost of living.
How many Clinical and Counseling Psychologists work in this region?
There are approximately 2,160 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,160 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.693 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV