Psychologist Pay

Sierra Vista vs Tucson: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Sierra Vista, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Sierra Vista, AZ
$99,595
$47.88/hr
Tucson, AZ
$130,562
$62.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSierra Vista, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$99,595$130,562
Hourly Rate$47.88$62.77
Entry Level (P10)$58,126$37,745
25th Percentile$74,493$67,976
75th Percentile$127,481$171,533
Top Earner (P90)$154,372$181,410
Total Employed9160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Sierra Vista ($99,595) and Tucson ($130,562) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.Sierra VistaTucsonMedian Salary$99,595$130,562Entry Level (P10)$58,126$37,745Top Earner (P90)$154,372$181,410US Median $105,689

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sierra Vista.

The salary gap between Sierra Vista and Tucson is $30,967 (31.09%). Tucson's median is +23.53% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sierra Vista spans $96,246,Tucson spans $143,665. Tucson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Sierra Vista
P10 (Entry)$58,126
P25$74,493
Median$99,595
P75$127,481
P90 (Top)$154,372
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$37,745
P25$67,976
Median$130,562
P75$171,533
P90 (Top)$181,410

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($134,744 effective) pays 33.26% more than Sierra Vista ($101,112 effective).

Sierra Vista
Nominal: $99,595
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $101,112
Tucson
Nominal: $130,562
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $134,744

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Sierra Vista if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($130,562/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($181,410)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $134,744)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Sierra Vista grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 100.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Sierra Vista, AZ

+-6.0%

$100,802 (2024) → $94,780 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+100.3%

$62,040 (2021) → $124,250 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Sierra Vista or Tucson?

Tucson has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $130,562/year, compared to Sierra Vista at $99,595/year — a difference of $30,967 (31.09%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Sierra Vista and Tucson?

Sierra Vista clinical and counseling psychologists earn $47.88/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $62.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Sierra Vista to Tucson as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Sierra Vista and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Sierra Vista = $101,112, Tucson = $134,744), job availability (9 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Sierra Vista vs Tucson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $58,126 in Sierra Vista and $37,745 in Tucson. The Sierra Vista 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