Houma vs Metairie: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Houma, LA and Metairie, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Metairie, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,341▲ | $59,671 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.40▲ | $28.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,599▲ | $34,609 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,328▲ | $44,755 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,197▲ | $76,378 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,128▲ | $92,489 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 23▲ |
Verdict
Houma, LA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.
The salary gap between Houma and Metairie is $32,670 (54.75%). Houma's median is -12.63% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $87,529,Metairie spans $57,880. Houma 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, Houma ($102,260 effective) pays 54.75% more than Metairie ($66,081 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,341/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,128)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,260)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Metairie if…
- ✓Larger job market (23 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Houma grew 24.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -23.1% growth in Metairie over the same period.
Houma, LA
$70,508 (2024) → $87,877 (2025)
Metairie, LA
$73,869 (2024) → $56,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Metairie, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Houma or Metairie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houma and Metairie?
Should I relocate from Houma to Metairie as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Houma vs Metairie?
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