Clinical Psychologist Salary in Georgia

Statewide

Clinical psychologists in Georgia received average annual salaries of $67,270 per year as of May 2009, explains the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Across the state, salaries were 7 percent less than the national average of $72,310 annually. Clinical psychologists in Georgia were the 23rd highest paid in the country in comparison to those in other states. The starting salary and rates for the lowest-paid 10 percent of Georgia clinical psychologists was $39,770 or less per year.

The Atlanta metropolitan area featured the highest average annual wages for clinical psychologists in northern Georgia as of May 2009, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Professionals in the Atlanta, Sandy Spring and Marietta area made an average of $69,710. Those in Rome earned an average of $66,000, while clinical psychologists in Athens averaged $65,330. In Gainesville, salaries for clinical psychologists were the lowest statewide at $56,020 per year.

Clinical psychologists in Augusta were the highest paid statewide as of May 2009, earning an average of $75,910 annually, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Macon clinical psychologists received a yearly average of $71,990. Those psychologists working in Savannah made an average of $60,540 per year and were the lowest paid in the southern and central regions of Georgia. In the nonmetropolitan and rural areas of the state, clinical psychologists earned an average of $64,470 annually.

To work independently as a clinical psychologist in Georgia, either a Doctor of Philosophy degree in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology degree is necessary. Five colleges in Georgia offer such programs: the University of Georgia in Athens; Georgia Southern University in Stateboro; and Argosy University, Georgia State University and Emory University in Atlanta. Entry into doctorate programs in psychology usually requires at least a bachelor's degree. Thirty-eight private and public universities in Georgia offer baccalaureate degrees in general psychology, according to the "College Board's 2011 Book of Majors."