Albany vs Rochester: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,847▲ | $100,646 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78▲ | $48.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,903▲ | $57,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,842▲ | $75,048 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,993▲ | $129,511 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,047 | $179,456▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $11,201 (11.13%). Albany's median is +5.83% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $104,144,Rochester spans $121,883. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($112,335 effective) pays 8.30% more than Rochester ($103,721 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,847/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,335)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,456)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Albany grew 3.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -8.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$103,170 (2021) → $106,440 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$104,580 (2021) → $95,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Albany or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Albany vs Rochester?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov