Cincinnati vs Lancaster: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,616 | $105,798▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.77 | $50.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,202 | $61,363▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,358▲ | $77,555 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,886▲ | $135,421 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,893▲ | $163,987 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Lancaster are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Lancaster is $182 (0.17%). Lancaster's median is +0.10% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $122,691,Lancaster spans $102,624. Cincinnati 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, Lancaster ($116,646 effective) pays 5.33% more than Cincinnati ($110,743 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($175,893)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,798/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,646)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Cincinnati grew 27.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$78,990 (2021) → $100,510 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$82,247 (2024) → $100,683 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Cincinnati or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Lancaster as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Cincinnati vs Lancaster?
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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