Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,143 | $102,897▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.90 | $49.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,720 | $59,680▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,348 | $74,087▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $141,511▲ | $131,708 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,825▲ | $159,491 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville is $15,754 (18.08%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $145,105,Louisville spans $99,811. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Louisville ($115,226 effective) pays 23.07% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($93,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,825)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,897/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,226)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew -11.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$94,050 (2021) → $82,930 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$86,542 (2024) → $97,923 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Louisville as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville?
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