Psychologist Pay

Lafayette vs Shreveport: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Lafayette, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lafayette, LA
$97,962
$47.10/hr
Shreveport, LA
$74,954
$36.03/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLafayette, LAShreveport, LA
Median Salary$97,962$74,954
Hourly Rate$47.10$36.03
Entry Level (P10)$56,818$74,954
25th Percentile$72,823$74,954
75th Percentile$125,391$74,954
Top Earner (P90)$151,841$86,029
Total Employed18170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lafayette ($97,962) and Shreveport ($74,954) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.LafayetteShreveportMedian Salary$97,962$74,954Entry Level (P10)$56,818$74,954Top Earner (P90)$151,841$86,029US Median $105,689

Verdict

Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shreveport.

The salary gap between Lafayette and Shreveport is $23,008 (30.70%). Lafayette's median is -7.31% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $95,023,Shreveport spans $11,075. Lafayette has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lafayette
P10 (Entry)$56,818
P25$72,823
Median$97,962
P75$125,391
P90 (Top)$151,841
Shreveport
P10 (Entry)$74,954
P25$74,954
Median$74,954
P75$74,954
P90 (Top)$86,029

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lafayette ($108,485 effective) pays 22.69% more than Shreveport ($88,425 effective).

Lafayette
Nominal: $97,962
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $108,485
Shreveport
Nominal: $74,954
CoL Index: 84.766
Adjusted: $88,425

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lafayette if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,962/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($151,841)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,485)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Shreveport if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Lafayette grew 84.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Shreveport over the same period.

Lafayette, LA

+84.5%

$50,520 (2021) → $93,226 (2025)

Shreveport, LA

+5.8%

$67,410 (2023) → $71,330 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Lafayette or Shreveport?

Lafayette has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $97,962/year, compared to Shreveport at $74,954/year — a difference of $23,008 (30.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Shreveport?

Lafayette clinical and counseling psychologists earn $47.10/hr while Shreveport hygienists earn $36.03/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lafayette to Shreveport as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lafayette and Shreveport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lafayette = $108,485, Shreveport = $88,425), job availability (18 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Lafayette vs Shreveport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $56,818 in Lafayette and $74,954 in Shreveport. The Shreveport 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