Psychologist Pay

Nogales vs Phoenix: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Nogales, AZ and Phoenix, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Nogales, AZ
$98,065
$47.15/hr
Phoenix, AZ
$121,441
$58.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNogales, AZPhoenix, AZ
Median Salary$98,065$121,441
Hourly Rate$47.15$58.38
Entry Level (P10)$56,878$65,034
25th Percentile$76,433$82,751
75th Percentile$125,523$146,996
Top Earner (P90)$152,000$170,030
Total Employed5500
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nogales ($98,065) and Phoenix ($121,441) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.NogalesPhoenixMedian Salary$98,065$121,441Entry Level (P10)$56,878$65,034Top Earner (P90)$152,000$170,030US Median $105,689

Verdict

Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nogales.

The salary gap between Nogales and Phoenix is $23,376 (23.84%). Phoenix's median is +14.90% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nogales spans $95,122,Phoenix spans $104,996. Phoenix has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Nogales
P10 (Entry)$56,878
P25$76,433
Median$98,065
P75$125,523
P90 (Top)$152,000
Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$65,034
P25$82,751
Median$121,441
P75$146,996
P90 (Top)$170,030

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Phoenix ($117,543 effective) pays 18.06% more than Nogales ($99,558 effective).

Nogales
Nominal: $98,065
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $99,558
Phoenix
Nominal: $121,441
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $117,543

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nogales if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Higher median salary ($121,441/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($170,030)
  • Larger job market (500 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,543)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Nogales grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.3% growth in Phoenix over the same period.

Nogales, AZ

+-6.0%

$99,253 (2024) → $93,324 (2025)

Phoenix, AZ

+47.3%

$78,480 (2021) → $115,570 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Nogales or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $121,441/year, compared to Nogales at $98,065/year — a difference of $23,376 (23.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nogales and Phoenix?

Nogales clinical and counseling psychologists earn $47.15/hr while Phoenix hygienists earn $58.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nogales to Phoenix as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nogales and Phoenix. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nogales = $99,558, Phoenix = $117,543), job availability (5 vs 500 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Nogales vs Phoenix?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $56,878 in Nogales and $65,034 in Phoenix. The Phoenix area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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