Psychologist Pay

Columbus vs Stockbridge: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Columbus, GA and Stockbridge, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, GA
$102,211
$49.15/hr
Stockbridge, GA
$97,343
$46.80/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, GAStockbridge, GA
Median Salary$102,211$97,343
Hourly Rate$49.15$46.80
Entry Level (P10)$75,258$56,458
25th Percentile$75,258$74,631
75th Percentile$121,388$124,599
Top Earner (P90)$135,206$150,881
Total Employed606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($102,211) and Stockbridge ($97,343) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ColumbusStockbridgeMedian Salary$102,211$97,343Entry Level (P10)$75,258$56,458Top Earner (P90)$135,206$150,881US Median $105,689

Verdict

Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Stockbridge.

The salary gap between Columbus and Stockbridge is $4,868 (5.00%). Columbus's median is -3.29% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $59,948,Stockbridge spans $94,423. Stockbridge has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$75,258
P25$75,258
Median$102,211
P75$121,388
P90 (Top)$135,206
Stockbridge
P10 (Entry)$56,458
P25$74,631
Median$97,343
P75$124,599
P90 (Top)$150,881

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($114,463 effective) pays 9.47% more than Stockbridge ($104,557 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $102,211
CoL Index: 89.296
Adjusted: $114,463
Stockbridge
Nominal: $97,343
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $104,557

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($102,211/year)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,463)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Stockbridge if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($150,881)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Columbus grew 24.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -13.5% growth in Stockbridge over the same period.

Columbus, GA

+24.2%

$78,310 (2021) → $97,270 (2025)

Stockbridge, GA

+-13.5%

$107,060 (2024) → $92,637 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Columbus or Stockbridge?

Columbus has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $102,211/year, compared to Stockbridge at $97,343/year — a difference of $4,868 (5.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Stockbridge?

Columbus clinical and counseling psychologists earn $49.15/hr while Stockbridge hygienists earn $46.80/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Stockbridge as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Stockbridge. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $114,463, Stockbridge = $104,557), job availability (60 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Columbus vs Stockbridge?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $75,258 in Columbus and $56,458 in Stockbridge. The Columbus 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