Healthcare Charlotte, NC Pop. 874,579

Psychologist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina

The median psychologist salary in Charlotte, NC is $83,623 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 6.5% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$83,623
vs State Avg
+$5,119
vs National
$-1,707
Cost of Living
98%

Psychologist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)

Charlotte offers a median psychologist salary of $83,623, which is $5,119 above the North Carolina state average of $78,504. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Charlotte pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for psychologists in Charlotte spans from $47,040 at the 10th percentile to $151,900 at the 90th percentile — a $104,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,960, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $142,100. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychologist Salary in Charlotte by Experience

In Charlotte, an entry-level psychologist earns around $50,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $142,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,960
$-1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,240
$-1,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$142,100
$-2,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC

Percentile Charlotte
10th Percentile $47,040
25th Percentile $62,720
Median (50th) $83,623
75th Percentile $112,700
90th Percentile $151,900

Psychologist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Raleigh, NC
$83,623
Pop. 467,665
Durham, NC
$81,064
Pop. 283,506
Greensboro, NC
$75,090
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$73,384
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Psychologist in Charlotte

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina 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 Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Charlotte

Browse open psychologist positions in Charlotte, NC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Charlotte

How much does a Psychologist make in Charlotte, NC? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Charlotte, North Carolina is $83,623 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $47,040 (10th percentile) to $151,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Charlotte? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,623, a psychologist in Charlotte earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charlotte compare to the North Carolina state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Charlotte's median psychologist salary of $83,623 is 6.5% above the North Carolina state average of $78,504. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charlotte, NC? ▼
Charlotte has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $83,623 in Charlotte has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Charlotte? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Charlotte 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.