Psychologist Pay

Boston vs Plymouth: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Boston, MA and Plymouth, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$127,431
$61.26/hr
Plymouth, MA
$111,754
$53.73/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAPlymouth, MA
Median Salary$127,431$111,754
Hourly Rate$61.26$53.73
Entry Level (P10)$63,143$64,818
25th Percentile$90,863$80,463
75th Percentile$172,489$143,044
Top Earner (P90)$245,772$173,218
Total Employed1,9209
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($127,431) and Plymouth ($111,754) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BostonPlymouthMedian Salary$127,431$111,754Entry Level (P10)$63,143$64,818Top Earner (P90)$245,772$173,218US Median $105,689

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plymouth.

The salary gap between Boston and Plymouth is $15,677 (14.03%). Boston's median is +20.57% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $182,629,Plymouth spans $108,400. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$63,143
P25$90,863
Median$127,431
P75$172,489
P90 (Top)$245,772
Plymouth
P10 (Entry)$64,818
P25$80,463
Median$111,754
P75$143,044
P90 (Top)$173,218

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($117,702 effective) pays 14.27% more than Plymouth ($102,999 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $127,431
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $117,702
Plymouth
Nominal: $111,754
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $102,999

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($127,431/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($245,772)
  • Larger job market (1,920 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,702)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Plymouth if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Boston grew 46.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -4.6% growth in Plymouth over the same period.

Boston, MA

+46.8%

$82,630 (2021) → $121,270 (2025)

Plymouth, MA

+-4.6%

$111,524 (2024) → $106,351 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Boston or Plymouth?

Boston has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $127,431/year, compared to Plymouth at $111,754/year — a difference of $15,677 (14.03%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Plymouth?

Boston clinical and counseling psychologists earn $61.26/hr while Plymouth hygienists earn $53.73/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Plymouth as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Plymouth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $117,702, Plymouth = $102,999), job availability (1,920 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Boston vs Plymouth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $63,143 in Boston and $64,818 in Plymouth. The Plymouth 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