Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Psychologist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median psychologist salary in Sacramento, CA is $107,516 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$107,516
vs State Avg
$-17,066
vs National
+$22,186
Cost of Living
118%

Psychologist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median psychologist salary of $107,516, which is $17,066 below the California state average of $124,582. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $107,516 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $91,115. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychologists in Sacramento spans from $60,480 at the 10th percentile to $195,300 at the 90th percentile — a $134,820 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $65,520, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $182,700. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychologist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level psychologist earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $182,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
+$13,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,880
+$22,880 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$182,700
+$37,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $60,480
25th Percentile $80,640
Median (50th) $107,516
75th Percentile $144,900
90th Percentile $195,300

Psychologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$162,127
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$150,181
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$131,408
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$127,995
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Psychologist in Sacramento

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open psychologist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Psychologist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Sacramento, California is $107,516 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $60,480 (10th percentile) to $195,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $107,516, a psychologist in Sacramento earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median psychologist salary of $107,516 is 13.7% below the California state average of $124,582. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $107,516 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Sacramento? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Sacramento require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.