Psychologist Salary in California
Based on 13K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$116,000
$55.77/hr
vs National Average
$97,188
+19.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $188K
13K employed in California
The median Psychologist salary in California is $116,000 per year, which is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the state's high cost of living and demand for mental health professionals. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $56.
Several factors influence a Psychologist salary in California, including experience level, specialization (e.g., clinical, forensic, school), geographic location within the state, and the type of employer, such as private practice, hospitals, or government agencies. Advanced degrees and certifications can also contribute to earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,900 |
| 25th percentile | $77,050 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $116,000 |
| 75th percentile | $162,360 |
| 90th percentile | $188,050 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychologists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | 63K |
| Educational Services | $91,550 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $116,000 |
| 2026 (projected) | $119,480 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $116,000 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $119,480 | $100,104 |
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $77,050 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $116,000 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $162,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $188,050 |
Psychologist Salary in Other States
Related Psychologist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Psychologist ($116,000 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in CA | $207,490 | +78.9% | $99.75/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in CA | $139,580 | +20.3% | $67.11/hr |
| Medical Scientist in CA | $136,990 | +18.1% | $65.86/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in CA | $109,610 | -5.5% | $52.70/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in CA | $106,510 | -8.2% | $51.21/hr |
| Geoscientist in CA | $106,500 | -8.2% | $51.20/hr |
| Chemist in CA | $97,860 | -15.6% | $47.05/hr |
| Computer Programmer in CA | $116,760 | +0.7% | $56.13/hr |
| Police Officer in CA | $118,880 | +2.5% | $57.15/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in CA | $118,970 | +2.6% | $57.20/hr |
| Economist in CA | $119,410 | +2.9% | $57.41/hr |
| Web Developer in CA | $119,570 | +3.1% | $57.49/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a psychologist in California?
- The salary range for psychologists in California typically falls between $62,900 and $188,050 annually. This wide range reflects the diverse experience levels and specializations within the field.
How does a psychologist's salary in California compare to the national average?
- Psychologists in California earn approximately 19.4% more than the national average. The median California salary of $116,000 is considerably higher than the national median.
What is the average hourly pay for a psychologist in California?
- Based on the median annual salary of $116,000, a psychologist in California can expect to earn around $56 per hour. This figure is a good benchmark for hourly compensation.
How many psychologists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 12,840 psychologists employed in California. This substantial number indicates a significant presence of the profession within the state.