Madison vs Oak Creek: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Madison, WI and Oak Creek, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Oak Creek, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,940 | $118,574▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.29 | $57.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,001▲ | $70,033 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,964▲ | $88,932 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,004▲ | $151,775 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,025 | $183,790▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Oak Creek, WI offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Oak Creek is $5,634 (4.99%). Oak Creek's median is +12.19% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $95,024,Oak Creek spans $113,757. Oak Creek 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, Oak Creek ($126,953 effective) pays 9.36% more than Madison ($116,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Creek if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,574/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,790)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,953)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Madison grew 35.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Oak Creek over the same period.
Madison, WI
$79,430 (2021) → $107,480 (2025)
Oak Creek, WI
$83,224 (2024) → $112,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Oak Creek, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Madison or Oak Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oak Creek?
Should I relocate from Madison to Oak Creek as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Madison vs Oak Creek?
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