Psychologist Pay

Appleton vs West Allis: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Appleton, WI and West Allis, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Appleton, WI
$123,732
$59.49/hr
West Allis, WI
$123,832
$59.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAppleton, WIWest Allis, WI
Median Salary$123,732$123,832
Hourly Rate$59.49$59.54
Entry Level (P10)$79,167$71,822
25th Percentile$84,474$89,158
75th Percentile$148,625$158,505
Top Earner (P90)$216,055$191,939
Total Employed6013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Appleton ($123,732) and West Allis ($123,832) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.AppletonWest AllisMedian Salary$123,732$123,832Entry Level (P10)$79,167$71,822Top Earner (P90)$216,055$191,939US Median $105,689

Verdict

Appleton and West Allis are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Appleton and West Allis is $100 (0.08%). West Allis's median is +17.17% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $136,888,West Allis spans $120,117. Appleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Appleton
P10 (Entry)$79,167
P25$84,474
Median$123,732
P75$148,625
P90 (Top)$216,055
West Allis
P10 (Entry)$71,822
P25$89,158
Median$123,832
P75$158,505
P90 (Top)$191,939

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($133,882 effective) pays 0.98% more than West Allis ($132,582 effective).

Appleton
Nominal: $123,732
CoL Index: 92.419
Adjusted: $133,882
West Allis
Nominal: $123,832
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $132,582

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Appleton if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($216,055)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $133,882)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose West Allis if…

  • Higher median salary ($123,832/year)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Appleton grew 51.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in West Allis over the same period.

Appleton, WI

+51.9%

$77,500 (2021) → $117,750 (2025)

West Allis, WI

+35.6%

$86,914 (2024) → $117,845 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Appleton or West Allis?

West Allis has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $123,832/year, compared to Appleton at $123,732/year — a difference of $100 (0.08%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and West Allis?

Appleton clinical and counseling psychologists earn $59.49/hr while West Allis hygienists earn $59.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Appleton to West Allis as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Appleton and West Allis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Appleton = $133,882, West Allis = $132,582), job availability (60 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Appleton vs West Allis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $79,167 in Appleton and $71,822 in West Allis. The Appleton area offers higher starting salaries.
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