Albuquerque vs Las Vegas: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Las Vegas, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Las Vegas, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,140▲ | $92,746 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.05▲ | $44.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,950▲ | $56,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,744▲ | $70,772 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,725▲ | $118,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,126▲ | $143,756 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 5 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Vegas.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Las Vegas is $38,394 (41.40%). Albuquerque's median is +24.08% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $86,176,Las Vegas spans $87,079. Las Vegas 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, Albuquerque ($137,253 effective) pays 39.70% more than Las Vegas ($98,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,126)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,253)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Las Vegas if…
- ✓Larger job market (5 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Albuquerque grew 22.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Las Vegas over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$101,750 (2021) → $124,800 (2025)
Las Vegas, NM
$70,711 (2024) → $88,262 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Las Vegas, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Albuquerque or Las Vegas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Las Vegas?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Las Vegas as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Albuquerque vs Las Vegas?
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