Psychologist Pay

Bloomington vs Duluth: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bloomington, MN
$111,971
$53.83/hr
Duluth, MN
$102,999
$49.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBloomington, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$111,971$102,999
Hourly Rate$53.83$49.52
Entry Level (P10)$64,944$55,482
25th Percentile$80,619$71,454
75th Percentile$143,323$122,902
Top Earner (P90)$173,555$125,697
Total Employed1870
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bloomington ($111,971) and Duluth ($102,999) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BloomingtonDuluthMedian Salary$111,971$102,999Entry Level (P10)$64,944$55,482Top Earner (P90)$173,555$125,697US Median $105,689

Verdict

Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Bloomington and Duluth is $8,972 (8.71%). Bloomington's median is +5.94% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $108,611,Duluth spans $70,215. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bloomington
P10 (Entry)$64,944
P25$80,619
Median$111,971
P75$143,323
P90 (Top)$173,555
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$55,482
P25$71,454
Median$102,999
P75$122,902
P90 (Top)$125,697

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($116,032 effective) pays 2.07% more than Bloomington ($113,676 effective).

Bloomington
Nominal: $111,971
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $113,676
Duluth
Nominal: $102,999
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $116,032

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bloomington if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,971/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($173,555)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,032)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Bloomington grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Bloomington, MN

+15.7%

$92,128 (2024) → $106,558 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+14.8%

$85,390 (2021) → $98,020 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Bloomington or Duluth?

Bloomington has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $111,971/year, compared to Duluth at $102,999/year — a difference of $8,972 (8.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Duluth?

Bloomington clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53.83/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $49.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bloomington to Duluth as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bloomington and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bloomington = $113,676, Duluth = $116,032), job availability (18 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Bloomington vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $64,944 in Bloomington and $55,482 in Duluth. The Bloomington 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