Psychologist Pay

Newark vs Union: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Newark, NJ and Union, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Newark, NJ
$126,819
$60.97/hr
Union, NJ
$122,913
$59.10/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNewark, NJUnion, NJ
Median Salary$126,819$122,913
Hourly Rate$60.97$59.10
Entry Level (P10)$73,555$71,289
25th Percentile$93,429$88,497
75th Percentile$162,329$157,329
Top Earner (P90)$196,569$190,515
Total Employed6115
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Newark ($126,819) and Union ($122,913) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.NewarkUnionMedian Salary$126,819$122,913Entry Level (P10)$73,555$71,289Top Earner (P90)$196,569$190,515US Median $105,689

Verdict

Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Union.

The salary gap between Newark and Union is $3,906 (3.18%). Newark's median is +19.99% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $123,014,Union spans $119,226. Newark has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Newark
P10 (Entry)$73,555
P25$93,429
Median$126,819
P75$162,329
P90 (Top)$196,569
Union
P10 (Entry)$71,289
P25$88,497
Median$122,913
P75$157,329
P90 (Top)$190,515

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Newark ($110,086 effective) pays 3.18% more than Union ($106,695 effective).

Newark
Nominal: $126,819
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $110,086
Union
Nominal: $122,913
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $106,695

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Newark if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,819/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($196,569)
  • Larger job market (61 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,086)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Union if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Newark grew -16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.0% growth in Union over the same period.

Newark, NJ

+-16.7%

$144,967 (2024) → $120,688 (2025)

Union, NJ

+-16.0%

$139,173 (2024) → $116,971 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Newark or Union?

Newark has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $126,819/year, compared to Union at $122,913/year — a difference of $3,906 (3.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Union?

Newark clinical and counseling psychologists earn $60.97/hr while Union hygienists earn $59.10/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Newark to Union as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Newark and Union. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Newark = $110,086, Union = $106,695), job availability (61 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Newark vs Union?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $73,555 in Newark and $71,289 in Union. The Newark area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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