Psychologist Pay

Boulder vs Pueblo: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Boulder, CO and Pueblo, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boulder, CO
$111,586
$53.64/hr
Pueblo, CO
$119,045
$57.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoulder, COPueblo, CO
Median Salary$111,586$119,045
Hourly Rate$53.64$57.23
Entry Level (P10)$64,720$109,630
25th Percentile$82,621$119,045
75th Percentile$142,829$129,994
Top Earner (P90)$172,957$140,124
Total Employed2140
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boulder ($111,586) and Pueblo ($119,045) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BoulderPuebloMedian Salary$111,586$119,045Entry Level (P10)$64,720$109,630Top Earner (P90)$172,957$140,124US Median $105,689

Verdict

Pueblo, CO offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.

The salary gap between Boulder and Pueblo is $7,459 (6.68%). Pueblo's median is +12.64% 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,Pueblo spans $30,494. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boulder
P10 (Entry)$64,720
P25$82,621
Median$111,586
P75$142,829
P90 (Top)$172,957
Pueblo
P10 (Entry)$109,630
P25$119,045
Median$119,045
P75$129,994
P90 (Top)$140,124

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pueblo ($129,732 effective) pays 22.08% more than Boulder ($106,272 effective).

Boulder
Nominal: $111,586
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $106,272
Pueblo
Nominal: $119,045
CoL Index: 91.762
Adjusted: $129,732

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boulder if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($172,957)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Pueblo if…

  • Higher median salary ($119,045/year)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,732)
  • 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 9.8% growth in Pueblo over the same period.

Boulder, CO

+-20.3%

$133,304 (2024) → $106,191 (2025)

Pueblo, CO

+9.8%

$103,200 (2021) → $113,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Boulder or Pueblo?

Pueblo has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $119,045/year, compared to Boulder at $111,586/year — a difference of $7,459 (6.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Pueblo?

Boulder clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53.64/hr while Pueblo hygienists earn $57.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boulder to Pueblo as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boulder and Pueblo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boulder = $106,272, Pueblo = $129,732), job availability (21 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Boulder vs Pueblo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $64,720 in Boulder and $109,630 in Pueblo. The Pueblo area offers higher starting salaries.
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