Fort Wayne vs Lafayette: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,859 | $91,073▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.76 | $43.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,458 | $73,630▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,586 | $81,857▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,075▲ | $101,097 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,243 | $135,679▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lafayette is $4,214 (4.85%). Lafayette's median is -13.83% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $80,785,Lafayette spans $62,049. Fort Wayne 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, Lafayette ($97,477 effective) pays 3.89% more than Fort Wayne ($93,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,073/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,679)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,477)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 36.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$60,550 (2021) → $82,660 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$79,760 (2021) → $86,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Lafayette as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Fort Wayne vs Lafayette?
Related Comparisons
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