Charlotte vs Wilmington: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,122▲ | $80,596 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.19▲ | $38.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,579▲ | $51,384 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,609▲ | $67,062 |
| 75th Percentile | $234,959▲ | $101,865 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $269,740▲ | $146,723 |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Wilmington is $42,526 (52.76%). Charlotte's median is +16.49% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $215,161,Wilmington spans $95,339. Charlotte 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, Charlotte ($126,476 effective) pays 51.31% more than Wilmington ($83,587 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,122/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($269,740)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,476)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Charlotte grew 24.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$94,180 (2021) → $117,170 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$60,550 (2021) → $76,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Charlotte or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Wilmington as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Charlotte vs Wilmington?
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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