North Charleston vs Tega Cay: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between North Charleston, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Charleston, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,758 | $89,220▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.54 | $42.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,460 | $53,296▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,274 | $67,261▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,291 | $114,202▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,125 | $138,292▲ |
| Total Employed | 22▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Tega Cay, SC offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between North Charleston and Tega Cay is $19,462 (27.90%). Tega Cay's median is -15.58% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Charleston spans $67,665,Tega Cay spans $84,996. Tega Cay 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, Tega Cay ($97,508 effective) pays 27.90% more than North Charleston ($76,238 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,220/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,292)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,508)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in North Charleston grew -6.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
North Charleston, SC
$71,082 (2024) → $66,386 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$63,575 (2024) → $84,907 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Charleston, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: North Charleston or Tega Cay?
What is the hourly rate difference between North Charleston and Tega Cay?
Should I relocate from North Charleston to Tega Cay as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in North Charleston vs Tega Cay?
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