San Francisco vs Santa Ana: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between San Francisco, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $174,853▲ | $129,840 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.06▲ | $62.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,397▲ | $75,308 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,826▲ | $93,484 |
| 75th Percentile | $192,202▲ | $166,196 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $211,452▲ | $201,252 |
| Total Employed | 1,540▲ | 69 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Santa Ana.
The salary gap between San Francisco and Santa Ana is $45,013 (34.67%). San Francisco's median is +65.44% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Francisco spans $125,055,Santa Ana spans $125,944. Santa Ana 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, San Francisco ($151,240 effective) pays 31.74% more than Santa Ana ($114,801 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,452)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,240)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana 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 San Francisco grew 28.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -10.0% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
San Francisco, CA
$129,980 (2021) → $166,400 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$137,233 (2024) → $123,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: San Francisco or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Francisco and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from San Francisco to Santa Ana as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in San Francisco vs Santa Ana?
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