Columbia vs Lexington: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,038▲ | $91,344 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.50▲ | $43.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,454▲ | $52,979 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,859▲ | $65,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,984▲ | $116,920 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,404▲ | $141,583 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $13,694 (14.99%). Columbia's median is -0.62% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $70,950,Lexington spans $88,604. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($112,146 effective) pays 12.34% more than Lexington ($99,830 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,038/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,404)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,146)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Columbia grew 8.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$92,040 (2021) → $99,960 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$65,088 (2024) → $86,928 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Columbia or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Columbia vs Lexington?
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