Clinical Psychologist Salary Information by State

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Working in the field of clinical psychology can mean doing a job that pays well while offering a great chance to help those in need. Clinical psychologists are in relatively high demand and for those who find the work appealing; the payoff of a nice salary is just an added bonus.

Of course, when it comes down to crunching numbers regarding the salary of a clinical psychologist, a lot is dependent upon location. A clinical psychologist salary by state varies according to factors such as population, lifestyle, environment, and socio-economic status in a particular area.

California Tops the List for Number of Jobs

According to statistics provided by the U.S. Department of Bureau of Labor Statistics, California has the highest level of employment (number of jobs) for clinical psychologists. Those who work in the field in the state of California can expect an average salary of $80,450 (after five years of experience).

Highest and Lowest Average Salaries by State

The state of New York has one of the highest average salaries for similar positions with a yearly amount of $83,260. Anyone who has the opportunity to live and work in Hawaii as a clinical psychologist can expect to earn over $102,990 as an average yearly salary.

Choosing Where to Live and Work Based on Salary

With so many variables concerning a clinical psychologist salary by state, it is important to get an idea where salaries are higher or lower than average before settling on a location to work.

Ten Highest Salary Averages by State (For Entry Level to Five Years Experience)

Listed below are ten of the highest paying states for clinical psychologists with more than entry level experience. According to the Riley Guide, the following states top the list of highest paying average salaries for job opportunities in the clinical psychology field.

•California ($108,370)
•Colorado ($84,770)
•Connecticut ($82,280)
•Louisiana ($80,060)
•Massachusetts ($81,860)
•North Dakota ($83,000)
•New Jersey ($83,040)
•New York ($92,160)
•Pennsylvania ($112,070)
•Virginia ($85,490)

Ten Lowest Salary Averages by State (For Entry Level to Five Years Experience)

In contrast, the ten lowest paying clinical psychology average salaries are found in the following states:

•Alaska ($38,620)
•Alabama ($39,630)
•Florida ($44,840)
•Iowa ($45,840)
•Idaho ($40,310)
•Kentucky ($48,460)
•Maryland ($44,720)
•Mississippi ($44,250)
•Oregon ($46,980)
•Puerto Rico ($33,490)

Where Psychologists Live and Work Makes All the Difference in Pay Rate

As indicated by the lists mentioned above, location is a huge factor when it comes to determining salary rates for clinical psychologists. Job duties will remain relatively similar regardless of where a psychologist works, but factors such as the economic wealth and environmental factors of an area will vary greatly.

It stands to reason that working in a large city where wealth and a high quality of life is abundant will mean receiving a higher pay rate. Similarly, it is to be expected that working in a poor economic area will result in a lower salary. It is left up to each clinical psychologist to determine where he or she wants to live and work. However, understanding how salary rates will differ for each state may help make the decision easier.