Psychologist Pay

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

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

Atlanta, GA
$102,022
$49.05/hr
Marietta, GA
$96,606
$46.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAMarietta, GA
Median Salary$102,022$96,606
Hourly Rate$49.05$46.45
Entry Level (P10)$20,322$56,032
25th Percentile$56,218$71,797
75th Percentile$167,655$123,656
Top Earner (P90)$216,538$149,740
Total Employed77015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($102,022) and Marietta ($96,606) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.AtlantaMariettaMedian Salary$102,022$96,606Entry Level (P10)$20,322$56,032Top Earner (P90)$216,538$149,740US Median $105,689

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Atlanta and Marietta is $5,416 (5.61%). 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,Marietta spans $93,708. 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
Marietta
P10 (Entry)$56,032
P25$71,797
Median$96,606
P75$123,656
P90 (Top)$149,740

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Marietta ($103,766 effective) pays 1.77% more than Atlanta ($101,963 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $102,022
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $101,963
Marietta
Nominal: $96,606
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $103,766

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)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Marietta if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,766)
  • 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 Marietta over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+55.4%

$62,460 (2021) → $97,090 (2025)

Marietta, GA

+-13.5%

$106,250 (2024) → $91,936 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Atlanta has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $102,022/year, compared to Marietta at $96,606/year — a difference of $5,416 (5.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Marietta?

Atlanta clinical and counseling psychologists earn $49.05/hr while Marietta hygienists earn $46.45/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Marietta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $101,963, Marietta = $103,766), job availability (770 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $20,322 in Atlanta and $56,032 in Marietta. The Marietta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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