Albany vs New York: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Albany, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,847 | $126,632▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78 | $60.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,903 | $68,039▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,842 | $88,414▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,993 | $146,450▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,047 | $218,566▲ |
| Total Employed | 330 | 8,170▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and New York is $14,785 (13.22%). New York's median is +19.82% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $104,144,New York spans $150,527. New York 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, New York ($112,499 effective) pays 0.15% more than Albany ($112,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,632/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,566)
- ✓Larger job market (8,170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,499)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Albany grew 3.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in New York over the same period.
Albany, NY
$103,170 (2021) → $106,440 (2025)
New York, NY
$104,940 (2021) → $120,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Albany or New York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and New York?
Should I relocate from Albany to New York as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Albany vs New York?
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