Psychologist Pay

Berwyn vs Chicago: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Berwyn, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Berwyn, IL
$83,067
$39.94/hr
Chicago, IL
$89,728
$43.14/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBerwyn, ILChicago, IL
Median Salary$83,067$89,728
Hourly Rate$39.94$43.14
Entry Level (P10)$48,179$32,785
25th Percentile$62,372$56,375
75th Percentile$106,325$135,007
Top Earner (P90)$128,753$179,056
Total Employed125,030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Berwyn ($83,067) and Chicago ($89,728) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BerwynChicagoMedian Salary$83,067$89,728Entry Level (P10)$48,179$32,785Top Earner (P90)$128,753$179,056US Median $105,689

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Berwyn.

The salary gap between Berwyn and Chicago is $6,661 (8.02%). Chicago's median is -15.10% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berwyn spans $80,574,Chicago spans $146,271. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Berwyn
P10 (Entry)$48,179
P25$62,372
Median$83,067
P75$106,325
P90 (Top)$128,753
Chicago
P10 (Entry)$32,785
P25$56,375
Median$89,728
P75$135,007
P90 (Top)$179,056

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($86,614 effective) pays 1.25% more than Berwyn ($85,548 effective).

Berwyn
Nominal: $83,067
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $85,548
Chicago
Nominal: $89,728
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $86,614

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Berwyn if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,728/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($179,056)
  • Larger job market (5,030 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,614)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Berwyn grew -27.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Chicago over the same period.

Berwyn, IL

+-27.0%

$108,345 (2024) → $79,051 (2025)

Chicago, IL

+4.4%

$81,830 (2021) → $85,390 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Berwyn or Chicago?

Chicago has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $89,728/year, compared to Berwyn at $83,067/year — a difference of $6,661 (8.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Berwyn and Chicago?

Berwyn clinical and counseling psychologists earn $39.94/hr while Chicago hygienists earn $43.14/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Berwyn to Chicago as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Berwyn and Chicago. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Berwyn = $85,548, Chicago = $86,614), job availability (12 vs 5,030 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Berwyn vs Chicago?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $48,179 in Berwyn and $32,785 in Chicago. The Berwyn 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