Psychologist Pay

Elko vs Reno: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Elko, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elko, NV
$97,210
$46.74/hr
Reno, NV
$111,732
$53.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElko, NVReno, NV
Median Salary$97,210$111,732
Hourly Rate$46.74$53.72
Entry Level (P10)$60,054$88,362
25th Percentile$74,958$100,604
75th Percentile$124,428$130,205
Top Earner (P90)$150,675$155,644
Total Employed4160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elko ($97,210) and Reno ($111,732) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ElkoRenoMedian Salary$97,210$111,732Entry Level (P10)$60,054$88,362Top Earner (P90)$150,675$155,644US Median $105,689

Verdict

Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elko.

The salary gap between Elko and Reno is $14,522 (14.94%). Reno's median is +5.72% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elko spans $90,621,Reno spans $67,282. Elko has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Elko
P10 (Entry)$60,054
P25$74,958
Median$97,210
P75$124,428
P90 (Top)$150,675
Reno
P10 (Entry)$88,362
P25$100,604
Median$111,732
P75$130,205
P90 (Top)$155,644

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Reno ($110,610 effective) pays 11.85% more than Elko ($98,891 effective).

Elko
Nominal: $97,210
CoL Index: 98.3
Adjusted: $98,891
Reno
Nominal: $111,732
CoL Index: 101.014
Adjusted: $110,610

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elko if…

  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Choose Reno if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,732/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($155,644)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,610)
  • You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Elko grew -0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Reno over the same period.

Elko, NV

+-0.6%

$93,053 (2024) → $92,510 (2025)

Reno, NV

+33.7%

$79,510 (2021) → $106,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Elko or Reno?

Reno has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $111,732/year, compared to Elko at $97,210/year — a difference of $14,522 (14.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elko and Reno?

Elko clinical and counseling psychologists earn $46.74/hr while Reno hygienists earn $53.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elko to Reno as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elko and Reno. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elko = $98,891, Reno = $110,610), job availability (4 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Elko vs Reno?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $60,054 in Elko and $88,362 in Reno. The Reno 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