Austin vs The Woodlands: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Austin, TX and The Woodlands, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | The Woodlands, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,397 | $101,944▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.42 | $49.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,666 | $59,127▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,405▲ | $74,572 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,399 | $130,488▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,995 | $158,014▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 21 |
Verdict
The Woodlands, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and The Woodlands is $9,547 (10.33%). The Woodlands's median is -3.54% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $77,329,The Woodlands spans $98,887. The Woodlands 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, The Woodlands ($106,192 effective) pays 12.71% more than Austin ($94,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose The Woodlands if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,944/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,014)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,192)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Austin grew 6.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 33.5% growth in The Woodlands over the same period.
Austin, TX
$82,220 (2021) → $87,930 (2025)
The Woodlands, TX
$72,655 (2024) → $97,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
The Woodlands, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Austin or The Woodlands?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and The Woodlands?
Should I relocate from Austin to The Woodlands as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Austin vs The Woodlands?
Related Comparisons
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