Shigoto Zukan
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How to become clinical and counseling psychologistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$100,580
25th–75th pct. $73,210–$135,200
Top pay (est.)
$235,200
Top 10% $180,960
Pay in 5 years
$116,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$133,900est.
$115,200–$155,500
Outlook score
61/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
66%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+11.7%
4,100 openings / yr

How to become clinical and counseling psychologists

Typical education
Doctoral or professional degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness
5.0
Active Listening
4.9
Reading Comprehension
4.4
Critical Thinking
4.4
Writing
4.2
Speaking
4.2
Active Learning
3.9
Service Orientation
3.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Therapy and Counseling
6.9
Psychology
6.9
English Language
5.0
Education and Training
4.9
Sociology and Anthropology
4.8
Customer and Personal Service
4.3
Philosophy and Theology
4.0
Computers and Electronics
3.6

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationThinking CreativelyTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionWritten ExpressionProblem SensitivitySpeech Clarity

Education of workers

Post-doctoral training
48%
Doctoral degree
44%
Master's degree
8%

Training before entry

None / short demo
20%
1–2 years
20%
2–4 years
12%
6–12 months
12%
1–3 months
12%
Up to 1 month
12%
3–6 months
8%
Over 10 years
4%

Related work experience

2–4 years
40%
1–2 years
36%
4–6 years
8%
6–12 months
8%
Over 10 years
4%
1–3 months
4%

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as clinical and counseling psychologists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.