Psychologist Pay

Malden vs Springfield: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Malden, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Malden, MA
$111,350
$53.54/hr
Springfield, MA
$104,239
$50.11/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMalden, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$111,350$104,239
Hourly Rate$53.54$50.11
Entry Level (P10)$64,583$61,146
25th Percentile$80,172$88,908
75th Percentile$142,528$171,774
Top Earner (P90)$172,593$226,174
Total Employed15230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Malden ($111,350) and Springfield ($104,239) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.MaldenSpringfieldMedian Salary$111,350$104,239Entry Level (P10)$64,583$61,146Top Earner (P90)$172,593$226,174US Median $105,689

Verdict

Malden and Springfield are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Malden and Springfield is $7,111 (6.82%). Malden's median is +5.36% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Malden spans $108,010,Springfield spans $165,028. Springfield has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Malden
P10 (Entry)$64,583
P25$80,172
Median$111,350
P75$142,528
P90 (Top)$172,593
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$61,146
P25$88,908
Median$104,239
P75$171,774
P90 (Top)$226,174

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($108,513 effective) pays 5.74% more than Malden ($102,627 effective).

Malden
Nominal: $111,350
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $102,627
Springfield
Nominal: $104,239
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $108,513

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Malden if…

  • Higher median salary ($111,350/year)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($226,174)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,513)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Malden grew -4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.4% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Malden, MA

+-4.6%

$111,121 (2024) → $105,967 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+26.4%

$78,460 (2021) → $99,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Malden or Springfield?

Malden has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $111,350/year, compared to Springfield at $104,239/year — a difference of $7,111 (6.82%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Malden and Springfield?

Malden clinical and counseling psychologists earn $53.54/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $50.11/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Malden to Springfield as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Malden and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Malden = $102,627, Springfield = $108,513), job availability (15 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Malden vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $64,583 in Malden and $61,146 in Springfield. The Malden area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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