Psychologist Pay

Jackson vs Newark: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Jackson, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, NJ
$121,004
$58.17/hr
Newark, NJ
$126,819
$60.97/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, NJNewark, NJ
Median Salary$121,004$126,819
Hourly Rate$58.17$60.97
Entry Level (P10)$70,182$73,555
25th Percentile$91,695$93,429
75th Percentile$154,885$162,329
Top Earner (P90)$187,556$196,569
Total Employed1061
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($121,004) and Newark ($126,819) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.JacksonNewarkMedian Salary$121,004$126,819Entry Level (P10)$70,182$73,555Top Earner (P90)$187,556$196,569US Median $105,689

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.

The salary gap between Jackson and Newark is $5,815 (4.81%). Newark's median is +19.99% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $117,374,Newark spans $123,014. Newark has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$70,182
P25$91,695
Median$121,004
P75$154,885
P90 (Top)$187,556
Newark
P10 (Entry)$73,555
P25$93,429
Median$126,819
P75$162,329
P90 (Top)$196,569

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($110,086 effective) pays 4.81% more than Jackson ($105,038 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $121,004
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $105,038
Newark
Nominal: $126,819
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $110,086

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,819/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($196,569)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,086)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Jackson grew -16.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.7% growth in Newark over the same period.

Jackson, NJ

+-16.0%

$137,011 (2024) → $115,154 (2025)

Newark, NJ

+-16.7%

$144,967 (2024) → $120,688 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Jackson or Newark?

Newark has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $126,819/year, compared to Jackson at $121,004/year — a difference of $5,815 (4.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Newark?

Jackson clinical and counseling psychologists earn $58.17/hr while Newark hygienists earn $60.97/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Newark as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Newark. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $105,038, Newark = $110,086), job availability (10 vs 61 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Jackson vs Newark?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $70,182 in Jackson and $73,555 in Newark. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
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