Psychologist Pay

Albany vs Augusta: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Albany, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, GA
$97,487
$46.87/hr
Augusta, GA
$71,391
$34.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, GAAugusta, GA
Median Salary$97,487$71,391
Hourly Rate$46.87$34.33
Entry Level (P10)$56,542$55,335
25th Percentile$73,509$64,130
75th Percentile$124,784$123,753
Top Earner (P90)$151,105$183,491
Total Employed1240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($97,487) and Augusta ($71,391) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.AlbanyAugustaMedian Salary$97,487$71,391Entry Level (P10)$56,542$55,335Top Earner (P90)$151,105$183,491US Median $105,689

Verdict

Albany and Augusta are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Albany and Augusta is $26,096 (36.55%). Albany's median is -7.76% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $94,563,Augusta spans $128,156. Augusta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$56,542
P25$73,509
Median$97,487
P75$124,784
P90 (Top)$151,105
Augusta
P10 (Entry)$55,335
P25$64,130
Median$71,391
P75$123,753
P90 (Top)$183,491

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($104,712 effective) pays 34.80% more than Augusta ($77,681 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $97,487
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $104,712
Augusta
Nominal: $71,391
CoL Index: 91.903
Adjusted: $77,681

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • Higher median salary ($97,487/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,712)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Augusta if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($183,491)
  • Larger job market (40 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Albany grew -13.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.0% growth in Augusta over the same period.

Albany, GA

+-13.5%

$107,219 (2024) → $92,774 (2025)

Augusta, GA

+-11.0%

$76,360 (2021) → $67,940 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Albany or Augusta?

Albany has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $97,487/year, compared to Augusta at $71,391/year — a difference of $26,096 (36.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Augusta?

Albany clinical and counseling psychologists earn $46.87/hr while Augusta hygienists earn $34.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Augusta as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Augusta. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $104,712, Augusta = $77,681), job availability (12 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Albany vs Augusta?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $56,542 in Albany and $55,335 in Augusta. The Albany 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