Psychologist Pay

Baton Rouge vs Bossier City: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Bossier City, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baton Rouge, LA
$79,756
$38.34/hr
Bossier City, LA
$73,763
$35.46/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaton Rouge, LABossier City, LA
Median Salary$79,756$73,763
Hourly Rate$38.34$35.46
Entry Level (P10)$51,205$42,782
25th Percentile$61,030$54,148
75th Percentile$133,588$94,416
Top Earner (P90)$141,732$114,332
Total Employed5016
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baton Rouge ($79,756) and Bossier City ($73,763) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.Baton RougeBossier CityMedian Salary$79,756$73,763Entry Level (P10)$51,205$42,782Top Earner (P90)$141,732$114,332US Median $105,689

Verdict

Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bossier City.

The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Bossier City is $5,993 (8.12%). Baton Rouge's median is -24.54% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $90,527,Bossier City spans $71,550. Baton Rouge has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baton Rouge
P10 (Entry)$51,205
P25$61,030
Median$79,756
P75$133,588
P90 (Top)$141,732
Bossier City
P10 (Entry)$42,782
P25$54,148
Median$73,763
P75$94,416
P90 (Top)$114,332

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baton Rouge ($87,856 effective) pays 7.55% more than Bossier City ($81,687 effective).

Baton Rouge
Nominal: $79,756
CoL Index: 90.78
Adjusted: $87,856
Bossier City
Nominal: $73,763
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $81,687

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baton Rouge if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,756/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($141,732)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,856)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Bossier City if…

  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Baton Rouge grew -27.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -1.1% growth in Bossier City over the same period.

Baton Rouge, LA

+-27.4%

$104,580 (2021) → $75,900 (2025)

Bossier City, LA

+-1.1%

$70,998 (2024) → $70,197 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Baton Rouge or Bossier City?

Baton Rouge has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $79,756/year, compared to Bossier City at $73,763/year — a difference of $5,993 (8.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Bossier City?

Baton Rouge clinical and counseling psychologists earn $38.34/hr while Bossier City hygienists earn $35.46/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Bossier City as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baton Rouge and Bossier City. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baton Rouge = $87,856, Bossier City = $81,687), job availability (50 vs 16 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Baton Rouge vs Bossier City?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $51,205 in Baton Rouge and $42,782 in Bossier City. The Baton Rouge area offers higher starting salaries.
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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