Jacksonville vs Lakeland: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,472▲ | $92,197 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.63▲ | $44.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,265 | $65,423▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,374 | $85,199▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,011▲ | $109,588 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,944▲ | $181,536 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Lakeland is $17,275 (18.74%). Jacksonville's median is +3.58% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $123,679,Lakeland spans $116,113. Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville ($110,040 effective) pays 15.94% more than Lakeland ($94,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,944)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,040)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Jacksonville grew 4.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 84.8% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$99,830 (2021) → $104,180 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$47,470 (2021) → $87,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Jacksonville or Lakeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Lakeland?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Lakeland as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Jacksonville vs Lakeland?
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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