Psychologist Pay

Houston vs Keller: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Houston, TX and Keller, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$103,178
$49.61/hr
Keller, TX
$77,276
$37.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXKeller, TX
Median Salary$103,178$77,276
Hourly Rate$49.61$37.16
Entry Level (P10)$58,992$44,820
25th Percentile$82,246$57,175
75th Percentile$111,490$98,913
Top Earner (P90)$144,306$119,778
Total Employed5607
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($103,178) and Keller ($77,276) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.HoustonKellerMedian Salary$103,178$77,276Entry Level (P10)$58,992$44,820Top Earner (P90)$144,306$119,778US Median $105,689

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Keller.

The salary gap between Houston and Keller is $25,902 (33.52%). Houston's median is -2.38% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $85,314,Keller spans $74,958. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$58,992
P25$82,246
Median$103,178
P75$111,490
P90 (Top)$144,306
Keller
P10 (Entry)$44,820
P25$57,175
Median$77,276
P75$98,913
P90 (Top)$119,778

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($104,612 effective) pays 29.96% more than Keller ($80,496 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $103,178
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $104,612
Keller
Nominal: $77,276
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $80,496

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,178/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($144,306)
  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,612)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Keller if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Houston grew 24.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Keller over the same period.

Houston, TX

+24.3%

$78,990 (2021) → $98,190 (2025)

Keller, TX

+6.3%

$69,184 (2024) → $73,540 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Houston or Keller?

Houston has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $103,178/year, compared to Keller at $77,276/year — a difference of $25,902 (33.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Keller?

Houston clinical and counseling psychologists earn $49.61/hr while Keller hygienists earn $37.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Keller as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Keller. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $104,612, Keller = $80,496), job availability (560 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Houston vs Keller?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $58,992 in Houston and $44,820 in Keller. The Houston 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