Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,586 | $128,019▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.64 | $61.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,720 | $79,188▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,621 | $84,159▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $142,829 | $150,517▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,957 | $173,582▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $16,433 (14.73%). Colorado Springs's median is +21.13% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $108,237,Colorado Springs spans $94,394. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($127,120 effective) pays 19.62% more than Boulder ($106,272 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,019/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($173,582)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,120)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Boulder grew -20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.7% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$133,304 (2024) → $106,191 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$81,940 (2021) → $121,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
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