Psychologist Pay

Champaign vs Rock Island: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

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

Champaign, IL
$79,356
$38.15/hr
Rock Island, IL
$77,817
$37.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILRock Island, IL
Median Salary$79,356$77,817
Hourly Rate$38.15$37.41
Entry Level (P10)$67,283$45,134
25th Percentile$72,631$59,692
75th Percentile$110,975$99,605
Top Earner (P90)$183,680$120,616
Total Employed1305
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($79,356) and Rock Island ($77,817) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ChampaignRock IslandMedian Salary$79,356$77,817Entry Level (P10)$67,283$45,134Top Earner (P90)$183,680$120,616US Median $105,689

Verdict

Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rock Island.

The salary gap between Champaign and Rock Island is $1,539 (1.98%). Champaign's median is -24.92% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $116,397,Rock Island spans $75,482. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Champaign
P10 (Entry)$67,283
P25$72,631
Median$79,356
P75$110,975
P90 (Top)$183,680
Rock Island
P10 (Entry)$45,134
P25$59,692
Median$77,817
P75$99,605
P90 (Top)$120,616

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($85,601 effective) pays 6.81% more than Rock Island ($80,141 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $79,356
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $85,601
Rock Island
Nominal: $77,817
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $80,141

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Champaign if…

  • Higher median salary ($79,356/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($183,680)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,601)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Rock Island if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Champaign grew -5.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -30.5% growth in Rock Island over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+-5.0%

$79,510 (2021) → $75,520 (2025)

Rock Island, IL

+-30.5%

$106,564 (2024) → $74,055 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Champaign or Rock Island?

Champaign has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $79,356/year, compared to Rock Island at $77,817/year — a difference of $1,539 (1.98%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Rock Island?

Champaign clinical and counseling psychologists earn $38.15/hr while Rock Island hygienists earn $37.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Champaign to Rock Island as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Rock Island. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $85,601, Rock Island = $80,141), job availability (130 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Champaign vs Rock Island?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $67,283 in Champaign and $45,134 in Rock Island. The Champaign 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