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Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for clinical and counseling psychologist in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 13, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in California

Estimated timeline: 1-2 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $114,520 median (20% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Clinical and Counseling Psychologist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required state examinations.
  4. 4. Submit your application to the Department of Consumer Affairs~Medical Board of California.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $114,520, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California earn 20% above the national median of $95,830. California ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-2 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$114,520

Hourly estimate

$55.06
20% above national median

Difference: +$18,690

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,990
  • P2525th percentile$77,850
  • P50Median$114,520
  • P7575th percentile$158,400
  • P9090th percentile$189,540

State vs National Median

State: $114,520
National: $95,830

Total employment: 11,900 | Annual openings: N/A

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Clinical and Counseling Psychologist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Oregon$132,550
#2Colorado$126,260
#3Kentucky$116,480
#4Washington$115,050
#5California$114,520

Nearby States Comparison

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$114,520Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-2 months
Oregon$132,550Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$103,510Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required5 months
Arizona$106,970Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Medical Board of California

2005 Evergreen Street, Suite 1200, Sacramento, CA, 95815

Phone: 9162632382

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
AnesthesiologistN/AVaries by state board1-12 months
Audiologist$123,600Varies by state board6-24 months
CardiologistN/AVaries by state board1-2 years
Chiropractor$85,080Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-2 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salary in California?

The median annual salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California is $114,520. Salaries range from $59,990 (10th percentile) to $189,540 (90th percentile).

How does the Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salary in California compare to the national average?

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California earn 20% above the national median of $95,830, with a state median of $114,520.

How many Clinical and Counseling Psychologists work in California?

California employs approximately 11,900 Clinical and Counseling Psychologists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Clinical and Counseling Psychologist license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Medical Board of California. Review agency details at http://www.mbc.ca.gov/.

How often do you renew a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist license in California?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.