Psychologist Pay

Portland vs Tigard: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Portland, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Portland, OR
$128,334
$61.70/hr
Tigard, OR
$105,425
$50.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPortland, ORTigard, OR
Median Salary$128,334$105,425
Hourly Rate$61.70$50.68
Entry Level (P10)$98,355$61,146
25th Percentile$103,178$77,126
75th Percentile$141,585$134,944
Top Earner (P90)$167,067$163,408
Total Employed3309
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Portland ($128,334) and Tigard ($105,425) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.PortlandTigardMedian Salary$128,334$105,425Entry Level (P10)$98,355$61,146Top Earner (P90)$167,067$163,408US Median $105,689

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.

The salary gap between Portland and Tigard is $22,909 (21.73%). Portland's median is +21.43% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $68,712,Tigard spans $102,262. Tigard has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Portland
P10 (Entry)$98,355
P25$103,178
Median$128,334
P75$141,585
P90 (Top)$167,067
Tigard
P10 (Entry)$61,146
P25$77,126
Median$105,425
P75$134,944
P90 (Top)$163,408

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($121,735 effective) pays 18.47% more than Tigard ($102,753 effective).

Portland
Nominal: $128,334
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $121,735
Tigard
Nominal: $105,425
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $102,753

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($128,334/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($167,067)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,735)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Tigard if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Portland grew 2.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -22.4% growth in Tigard over the same period.

Portland, OR

+2.5%

$119,180 (2021) → $122,130 (2025)

Tigard, OR

+-22.4%

$129,276 (2024) → $100,328 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Portland or Tigard?

Portland has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $128,334/year, compared to Tigard at $105,425/year — a difference of $22,909 (21.73%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Tigard?

Portland clinical and counseling psychologists earn $61.70/hr while Tigard hygienists earn $50.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Portland to Tigard as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Portland and Tigard. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Portland = $121,735, Tigard = $102,753), job availability (330 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Portland vs Tigard?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $98,355 in Portland and $61,146 in Tigard. The Portland 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