Salary distribution
Where San Diego clinical and counseling psychologists fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,270 and $155,420, with a median of $99,990.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
Internship/residency
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 5.0 / 5
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge
- 5.0 / 5
Psychology
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.4 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.4 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.4 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
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.
- 02
Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- 03
Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- 04
Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
- 05
Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
- 06
Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- 07
Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
- 08
Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Diego metro compares to other major California metro areas for clinical and counseling psychologists.
- San Francisco$160,210
- Sacramento$118,780
- San Jose$101,520
- Los Angeles$100,330
- Riverside$96,600
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Diego, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in the San Diego metropolitan area is $99,990.
- Does San Diego pay more than the California state average for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
- The San Diego metro median is -12.7% versus the California state median of $114,520.
- How does San Diego compare to the national median for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
- The San Diego metro median is +5.4% versus the BLS national figure of $94,836.
- What is the salary range for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Diego?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $52,140 and the 90th-percentile at $192,070 for the San Diego metro area.
- What education is required for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Diego CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.