Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Psychologist Salary in California

The median psychologist salary in California is $124,582 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $85,330.

Median Salary
$124,582
vs National
+$39,252
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Psychologist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level psychologist earns around $75,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,700 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$75,920
+$23,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,480
+$40,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,700
+$66,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $70,080
25th Percentile $93,440
Median (50th) $124,582
75th Percentile $167,900
90th Percentile $226,300

Psychologist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for psychologists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$131,408
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$162,127
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$127,995
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$150,181
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$107,516
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Psychologist in California

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Psychologist Jobs in California

Browse open psychologist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in California

How much does a Psychologist make in California? ▼
The median psychologist salary in California is $124,582 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $70,080 (10th percentile) to $226,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,582, a psychologist in California earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for psychologists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for psychologist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level psychologists earn $75,920, while senior professionals earn $211,700.
How does California compare to other states for psychologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychologists is Hawaii at $151,887. California's median of $124,582 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($151,887) and Massachusetts ($122,022).
What is the entry-level psychologist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level psychologist in California earns approximately $75,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $128,480. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $211,700.
What city in California pays psychologists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for psychologists, with a median salary of $162,127. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.