Psychologist Pay

Ann Arbor vs Norton Shores: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Norton Shores, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$82,257
$39.55/hr
Norton Shores, MI
$84,714
$40.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MINorton Shores, MI
Median Salary$82,257$84,714
Hourly Rate$39.55$40.73
Entry Level (P10)$43,640$49,670
25th Percentile$69,941$61,205
75th Percentile$114,958$108,434
Top Earner (P90)$128,565$131,307
Total Employed1704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($82,257) and Norton Shores ($84,714) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.Ann ArborNorton ShoresMedian Salary$82,257$84,714Entry Level (P10)$43,640$49,670Top Earner (P90)$128,565$131,307US Median $105,689

Verdict

Norton Shores, MI offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ann Arbor.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Norton Shores is $2,457 (2.99%). Norton Shores's median is -19.85% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $84,925,Norton Shores spans $81,637. Ann Arbor has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$43,640
P25$69,941
Median$82,257
P75$114,958
P90 (Top)$128,565
Norton Shores
P10 (Entry)$49,670
P25$61,205
Median$84,714
P75$108,434
P90 (Top)$131,307

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Norton Shores ($90,895 effective) pays 11.47% more than Ann Arbor ($81,539 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $82,257
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $81,539
Norton Shores
Nominal: $84,714
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $90,895

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Norton Shores if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,714/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($131,307)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,895)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Ann Arbor grew -1.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Norton Shores over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+-1.9%

$79,760 (2021) → $78,280 (2025)

Norton Shores, MI

+0.8%

$79,951 (2024) → $80,619 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Ann Arbor or Norton Shores?

Norton Shores has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $84,714/year, compared to Ann Arbor at $82,257/year — a difference of $2,457 (2.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Norton Shores?

Ann Arbor clinical and counseling psychologists earn $39.55/hr while Norton Shores hygienists earn $40.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Norton Shores as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Norton Shores. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $81,539, Norton Shores = $90,895), job availability (170 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Ann Arbor vs Norton Shores?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $43,640 in Ann Arbor and $49,670 in Norton Shores. The Norton Shores area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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