What Clinical and Counseling Psychologists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Clinical and Counseling Psychologists this way: "Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods"; "Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans"; "Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans"; "Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment"; "Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 81,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 90,900 in 2035, an increase of 9,600 jobs (+11.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 4,100 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $100,580, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Clinical and Counseling Psychologists earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $117,507 in New York to $118,604 in New Jersey, a gap of $1,097 (1.01 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $100,580 and 0 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 10,390, which is 50.6% of the 20,530 counted across them. New York follows with 10,140.
Highest-paying states
New Jersey ($118,604) and New York ($117,507) lead the ranking, while New York ($117,507) and New Jersey ($118,604) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Frequently asked questions about Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
How much do Clinical and Counseling Psychologists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $100,580. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $117,507 to $118,604.
Which state pays Clinical and Counseling Psychologists the most?
New Jersey, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $118,604. New York is next at $117,507.
Is Clinical and Counseling Psychologists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 11.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 4,100 openings a year.
What education do Clinical and Counseling Psychologists need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.