Sacramento vs San Buenaventura: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Buenaventura, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Buenaventura, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,825▲ | $123,764 |
| Hourly Rate | $77.32▲ | $59.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,503 | $71,783▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,593▲ | $92,285 |
| 75th Percentile | $189,249▲ | $158,419 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,087▲ | $191,835 |
| Total Employed | 630▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Buenaventura.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Buenaventura is $37,061 (29.94%). 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 Sacramento spans $148,584,San Buenaventura spans $120,052. Sacramento has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($150,769 effective) pays 37.78% more than San Buenaventura ($109,429 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($160,825/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,087)
- ✓Larger job market (630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $150,769)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Buenaventura if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Sacramento grew 18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -10.0% growth in San Buenaventura over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$129,380 (2021) → $153,050 (2025)
San Buenaventura, CA
$130,812 (2024) → $117,781 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Buenaventura, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Sacramento or San Buenaventura?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Buenaventura?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Buenaventura as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Sacramento vs San Buenaventura?
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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