Iowa City vs Waukee: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Iowa City, IA and Waukee, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Waukee, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,894▲ | $91,409 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.58▲ | $43.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,394 | $53,017▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,656▲ | $67,363 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,651 | $117,003▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,671▲ | $141,685 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukee.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Waukee is $5,485 (6.00%). Iowa City's median is -8.32% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $107,277,Waukee spans $88,668. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($105,885 effective) pays 4.72% more than Waukee ($101,116 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,894/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,671)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,885)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waukee if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Iowa City grew -4.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Waukee over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$96,080 (2021) → $92,210 (2025)
Waukee, IA
$83,825 (2024) → $86,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Waukee, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Iowa City or Waukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Waukee?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Waukee as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Iowa City vs Waukee?
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