Healthcare Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

Psychologist Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median psychologist salary in Independence, MO is $72,531 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$72,531
vs State Avg
$-2,559
vs National
$-12,799
Cost of Living
85%

Psychologist Pay in Independence: What to Expect (2026)

Independence offers a median psychologist salary of $72,531, which is $2,559 below the Missouri state average of $75,090. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Independence pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Independence's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $72,531 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $85,331 in an average-cost city. This makes Independence an attractive option for psychologists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychologists in Independence spans from $40,800 at the 10th percentile to $131,750 at the 90th percentile — a $90,950 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,200, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,250. With a population of 123,011, Independence is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychologist Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level psychologist earns around $44,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,800
$-13,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,250
$-21,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $40,800
25th Percentile $54,400
Median (50th) $72,531
75th Percentile $97,750
90th Percentile $131,750

Psychologist Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$78,504
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$76,797
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$75,090
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$69,971
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a Psychologist in Independence

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Independence and the surrounding Missouri 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 Independence may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Independence

Browse open psychologist positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Independence

How much does a Psychologist make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Independence, Missouri is $72,531 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $40,800 (10th percentile) to $131,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,531, a psychologist in Independence earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Independence's median psychologist salary of $72,531 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $75,090. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $72,531 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Independence? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Independence 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.