Key West vs Tampa: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Key West, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Key West, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,533▲ | $89,959 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.01▲ | $43.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,090 | $61,629▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,179 | $83,707▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,162▲ | $89,959 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,876▲ | $107,108 |
| Total Employed | 4 | N/A |
Verdict
Key West, FL offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Key West and Tampa is $1,574 (1.75%). Key West's median is -13.39% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Key West spans $88,786,Tampa spans $45,479. Key West 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, Key West ($90,807 effective) pays 1.84% more than Tampa ($89,165 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Key West if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,533/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,876)
- ✓Larger job market (4 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,807)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa 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 Key West grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Key West, FL
$91,534 (2024) → $87,108 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$77,700 (2021) → $85,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Key West, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Key West or Tampa?
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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