Los Angeles vs Petaluma: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Petaluma, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Petaluma, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,292 | $121,373▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.14 | $58.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,461 | $70,396▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,043 | $90,017▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,086 | $155,357▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,153▲ | $188,128 |
| Total Employed | 4,790▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Petaluma are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Petaluma is $17,081 (16.38%). Petaluma's median is +14.84% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $122,692,Petaluma spans $117,732. Los Angeles 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, Petaluma ($107,315 effective) pays 16.86% more than Los Angeles ($91,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,153)
- ✓Larger job market (4,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Petaluma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,373/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,315)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Los Angeles grew -21.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Petaluma over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$125,860 (2021) → $99,250 (2025)
Petaluma, CA
$127,001 (2024) → $115,505 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Petaluma, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Los Angeles or Petaluma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Petaluma?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Petaluma as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Los Angeles vs Petaluma?
Related Comparisons
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