Psychologist Pay

Atlanta vs Canton: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Canton, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$102,022
$49.05/hr
Canton, GA
$93,265
$44.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GACanton, GA
Median Salary$102,022$93,265
Hourly Rate$49.05$44.84
Entry Level (P10)$20,322$54,093
25th Percentile$56,218$68,722
75th Percentile$167,655$119,379
Top Earner (P90)$216,538$144,561
Total Employed7704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($102,022) and Canton ($93,265) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.AtlantaCantonMedian Salary$102,022$93,265Entry Level (P10)$20,322$54,093Top Earner (P90)$216,538$144,561US Median $105,689

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Canton.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Canton is $8,757 (9.39%). Atlanta's median is -3.47% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $196,216,Canton spans $90,468. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$20,322
P25$56,218
Median$102,022
P75$167,655
P90 (Top)$216,538
Canton
P10 (Entry)$54,093
P25$68,722
Median$93,265
P75$119,379
P90 (Top)$144,561

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($101,963 effective) pays 1.78% more than Canton ($100,177 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $102,022
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $101,963
Canton
Nominal: $93,265
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $100,177

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,022/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($216,538)
  • Larger job market (770 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,963)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Canton if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Atlanta grew 55.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -13.5% growth in Canton over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+55.4%

$62,460 (2021) → $97,090 (2025)

Canton, GA

+-13.5%

$102,575 (2024) → $88,756 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Atlanta or Canton?

Atlanta has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $102,022/year, compared to Canton at $93,265/year — a difference of $8,757 (9.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Canton?

Atlanta clinical and counseling psychologists earn $49.05/hr while Canton hygienists earn $44.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Canton as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Canton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $101,963, Canton = $100,177), job availability (770 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Atlanta vs Canton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $20,322 in Atlanta and $54,093 in Canton. The Canton 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