Durham vs Thomasville: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Durham, NC and Thomasville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Thomasville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,166▲ | $93,523 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.19▲ | $44.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,021 | $54,243▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,596 | $67,336▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,578▲ | $119,710 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $235,999▲ | $144,961 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Thomasville.
The salary gap between Durham and Thomasville is $4,643 (4.96%). Durham's median is -7.12% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Durham spans $193,978,Thomasville spans $90,718. Durham 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, Durham ($100,609 effective) pays 0.69% more than Thomasville ($99,918 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($235,999)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,609)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Thomasville if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Durham grew 10.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Thomasville over the same period.
Durham, NC
$84,700 (2021) → $93,420 (2025)
Thomasville, NC
$75,445 (2024) → $89,002 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Thomasville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Durham or Thomasville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Thomasville?
Should I relocate from Durham to Thomasville as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Durham vs Thomasville?
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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