Psychologist Pay

Rochester vs Woodbury: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Rochester, MN and Woodbury, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Rochester, MN
$130,163
$62.58/hr
Woodbury, MN
$115,491
$55.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRochester, MNWoodbury, MN
Median Salary$130,163$115,491
Hourly Rate$62.58$55.52
Entry Level (P10)$83,665$66,985
25th Percentile$93,027$83,293
75th Percentile$223,200$147,829
Top Earner (P90)$223,200$179,011
Total Employed11018
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Rochester ($130,163) and Woodbury ($115,491) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.RochesterWoodburyMedian Salary$130,163$115,491Entry Level (P10)$83,665$66,985Top Earner (P90)$223,200$179,011US Median $105,689

Verdict

Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodbury.

The salary gap between Rochester and Woodbury is $14,672 (12.70%). Rochester's median is +23.16% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $139,535,Woodbury spans $112,026. Rochester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Rochester
P10 (Entry)$83,665
P25$93,027
Median$130,163
P75$223,200
P90 (Top)$223,200
Woodbury
P10 (Entry)$66,985
P25$83,293
Median$115,491
P75$147,829
P90 (Top)$179,011

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($143,318 effective) pays 22.23% more than Woodbury ($117,250 effective).

Rochester
Nominal: $130,163
CoL Index: 90.821
Adjusted: $143,318
Woodbury
Nominal: $115,491
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $117,250

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Rochester if…

  • Higher median salary ($130,163/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($223,200)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,318)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Woodbury if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Rochester grew 22.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Woodbury over the same period.

Rochester, MN

+22.6%

$101,030 (2021) → $123,870 (2025)

Woodbury, MN

+14.5%

$95,985 (2024) → $109,908 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Rochester or Woodbury?

Rochester has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $130,163/year, compared to Woodbury at $115,491/year — a difference of $14,672 (12.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Woodbury?

Rochester clinical and counseling psychologists earn $62.58/hr while Woodbury hygienists earn $55.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Rochester to Woodbury as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Rochester and Woodbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rochester = $143,318, Woodbury = $117,250), job availability (110 vs 18 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Rochester vs Woodbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $83,665 in Rochester and $66,985 in Woodbury. The Rochester 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