Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,292 | $174,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.14 | $84.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,461 | $86,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,043 | $117,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,086 | $192,202▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,153 | $211,452▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,790▲ | 1,540 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $70,561 (67.66%). San Francisco's median is +65.44% 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,San Francisco spans $125,055. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($151,240 effective) pays 64.69% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (4,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,452)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,240)
- ✓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 28.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$125,860 (2021) → $99,250 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$129,980 (2021) → $166,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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