Clinical and counseling psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3033
Clinical and counseling psychologists carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $95,830 and +11.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 76,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 27% AI exposure, Clinical and counseling psychologists sits 10 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 22% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Clinical and counseling psychologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Clinical and counseling psychologists has ai exposure of 27%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Clinical and counseling psychologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Clinical and counseling psychologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 76,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +11.2% change through 2034 - a strong growth outlook that compensates meaningfully for automation risk. Median annual compensation stands at $95,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Clinical and counseling psychologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- 2. Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- 3. Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- 4. Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
- 5. Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- 6. Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
- 7. Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
- 8. Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
- 9. Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
- 10. Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
Key Skills Required
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Service Orientation
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Sociology and Anthropology
- Law and Government
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Medicine and Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Clinical and counseling psychologists?
Clinical and counseling psychologists has an AI exposure score of 27%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Clinical and counseling psychologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to grow by 11.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 76,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Clinical and counseling psychologists?
Key skills for Clinical and counseling psychologists include Reading Comprehension, Social Perceptiveness, Active Listening, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Clinical and counseling psychologists earn?
The median annual wage for Clinical and counseling psychologists is $95,830, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Clinical and counseling psychologists?
The typical entry-level education for Clinical and counseling psychologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Clinical and counseling psychologists?
Clinical and counseling psychologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).