Riverside vs Sacramento: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Riverside, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,441 | $160,825▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.84 | $77.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,715▲ | $67,503 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,964 | $100,593▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,515 | $189,249▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,902 | $216,087▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,130▲ | 630 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Sacramento is $63,384 (65.05%). Sacramento's median is +52.17% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $98,187,Sacramento spans $148,584. Sacramento 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, Sacramento ($150,769 effective) pays 64.70% more than Riverside ($91,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,087)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,769)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Riverside grew -14.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$108,470 (2021) → $92,730 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$129,380 (2021) → $153,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Riverside or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Sacramento as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Riverside vs Sacramento?
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