Psychologist Pay

Detroit vs Troy: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Detroit, MI and Troy, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Detroit, MI
$96,264
$46.28/hr
Troy, MI
$88,524
$42.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDetroit, MITroy, MI
Median Salary$96,264$88,524
Hourly Rate$46.28$42.56
Entry Level (P10)$63,752$51,344
25th Percentile$76,120$63,737
75th Percentile$128,565$113,310
Top Earner (P90)$154,373$137,211
Total Employed82020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Detroit ($96,264) and Troy ($88,524) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.DetroitTroyMedian Salary$96,264$88,524Entry Level (P10)$63,752$51,344Top Earner (P90)$154,373$137,211US Median $105,689

Verdict

Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Troy.

The salary gap between Detroit and Troy is $7,740 (8.74%). Detroit's median is -8.92% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $90,621,Troy spans $85,867. Detroit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Detroit
P10 (Entry)$63,752
P25$76,120
Median$96,264
P75$128,565
P90 (Top)$154,373
Troy
P10 (Entry)$51,344
P25$63,737
Median$88,524
P75$113,310
P90 (Top)$137,211

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($95,978 effective) pays 1.05% more than Troy ($94,983 effective).

Detroit
Nominal: $96,264
CoL Index: 100.298
Adjusted: $95,978
Troy
Nominal: $88,524
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $94,983

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Detroit if…

  • Higher median salary ($96,264/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($154,373)
  • Larger job market (820 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,978)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Troy if…

  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Detroit grew 22.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 0.8% growth in Troy over the same period.

Detroit, MI

+22.4%

$74,870 (2021) → $91,610 (2025)

Troy, MI

+0.8%

$83,546 (2024) → $84,244 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Detroit or Troy?

Detroit has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $96,264/year, compared to Troy at $88,524/year — a difference of $7,740 (8.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Troy?

Detroit clinical and counseling psychologists earn $46.28/hr while Troy hygienists earn $42.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Detroit to Troy as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Detroit and Troy. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Detroit = $95,978, Troy = $94,983), job availability (820 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Detroit vs Troy?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $63,752 in Detroit and $51,344 in Troy. The Detroit 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