Psychologist Pay

Providence vs Johnston: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Providence, RI and Johnston, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Providence, RI
$114,474
$55.04/hr
Johnston, RI
$102,715
$49.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricProvidence, RIJohnston, RI
Median Salary$114,474$102,715
Hourly Rate$55.04$49.38
Entry Level (P10)$57,269$62,183
25th Percentile$84,232$75,876
75th Percentile$135,059$131,475
Top Earner (P90)$172,384$159,208
Total Employed5608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Providence ($114,474) and Johnston ($102,715) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ProvidenceJohnstonMedian Salary$114,474$102,715Entry Level (P10)$57,269$62,183Top Earner (P90)$172,384$159,208US Median $105,689

Verdict

Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnston.

The salary gap between Providence and Johnston is $11,759 (11.45%). Providence's median is +8.31% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Providence spans $115,115,Johnston spans $97,025. Providence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Providence
P10 (Entry)$57,269
P25$84,232
Median$114,474
P75$135,059
P90 (Top)$172,384
Johnston
P10 (Entry)$62,183
P25$75,876
Median$102,715
P75$131,475
P90 (Top)$159,208

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Providence ($112,480 effective) pays 10.05% more than Johnston ($102,204 effective).

Providence
Nominal: $114,474
CoL Index: 101.773
Adjusted: $112,480
Johnston
Nominal: $102,715
CoL Index: 100.5
Adjusted: $102,204

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Providence if…

  • Higher median salary ($114,474/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($172,384)
  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,480)
  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Choose Johnston if…

  • You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Providence grew 35.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Johnston over the same period.

Providence, RI

+35.0%

$80,720 (2021) → $108,940 (2025)

Johnston, RI

+-0.5%

$98,254 (2024) → $97,749 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Providence or Johnston?

Providence has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $114,474/year, compared to Johnston at $102,715/year — a difference of $11,759 (11.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Providence and Johnston?

Providence clinical and counseling psychologists earn $55.04/hr while Johnston hygienists earn $49.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Providence to Johnston as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Providence and Johnston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Providence = $112,480, Johnston = $102,204), job availability (560 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Providence vs Johnston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $57,269 in Providence and $62,183 in Johnston. The Johnston 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