Liberty vs Springfield: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Liberty, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberty, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,598▲ | $81,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.84▲ | $39.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,927▲ | $48,095 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,476▲ | $48,095 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,045 | $133,378▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,476 | $233,919▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Liberty and Springfield are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Liberty and Springfield is $19,783 (24.18%). Liberty's median is -3.87% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberty spans $98,549,Springfield spans $185,824. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Liberty ($113,391 effective) pays 22.77% more than Springfield ($92,358 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberty if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,598/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,391)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($233,919)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Liberty grew 37.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Liberty, MO
$70,101 (2024) → $96,686 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$63,690 (2021) → $77,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberty, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Liberty or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberty and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Liberty to Springfield as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Liberty vs Springfield?
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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