Psychologist Pay

Dallas vs Pearland: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Dallas, TX and Pearland, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$111,889
$53.79/hr
Pearland, TX
$80,594
$38.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPearland, TX
Median Salary$111,889$80,594
Hourly Rate$53.79$38.74
Entry Level (P10)$63,037$46,745
25th Percentile$83,265$58,304
75th Percentile$118,751$103,160
Top Earner (P90)$151,294$124,921
Total Employed95019
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($111,889) and Pearland ($80,594) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.DallasPearlandMedian Salary$111,889$80,594Entry Level (P10)$63,037$46,745Top Earner (P90)$151,294$124,921US Median $105,689

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pearland.

The salary gap between Dallas and Pearland is $31,295 (38.83%). Dallas's median is +5.87% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $88,257,Pearland spans $78,176. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$63,037
P25$83,265
Median$111,889
P75$118,751
P90 (Top)$151,294
Pearland
P10 (Entry)$46,745
P25$58,304
Median$80,594
P75$103,160
P90 (Top)$124,921

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($108,535 effective) pays 29.28% more than Pearland ($83,952 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $111,889
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $108,535
Pearland
Nominal: $80,594
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $83,952

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,889/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($151,294)
  • Larger job market (950 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,535)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Pearland if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Dallas grew 36.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Pearland over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+36.4%

$78,040 (2021) → $106,480 (2025)

Pearland, TX

+6.3%

$72,155 (2024) → $76,698 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Dallas or Pearland?

Dallas has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $111,889/year, compared to Pearland at $80,594/year — a difference of $31,295 (38.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Pearland?

Dallas clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53.79/hr while Pearland hygienists earn $38.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Pearland as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Pearland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $108,535, Pearland = $83,952), job availability (950 vs 19 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Dallas vs Pearland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $63,037 in Dallas and $46,745 in Pearland. The Dallas 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