Plano vs San Antonio: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Plano, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Plano, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,951 | $85,472▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.84 | $41.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,272 | $53,980▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,165 | $63,216▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,737 | $115,441▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,674 | $146,418▲ |
| Total Employed | 57 | 500▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plano.
The salary gap between Plano and San Antonio is $521 (0.61%). San Antonio's median is -19.13% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Plano spans $82,402,San Antonio spans $92,438. San Antonio 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, San Antonio ($90,240 effective) pays 1.98% more than Plano ($88,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Plano if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,472/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,418)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,240)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Plano grew 6.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Plano, TX
$76,055 (2024) → $80,844 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$75,860 (2021) → $81,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Plano or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Plano and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Plano to San Antonio as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Plano vs San Antonio?
Related Comparisons
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