Psychologist Pay

Altus vs Lawton: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Altus, OK and Lawton, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Altus, OK
$89,081
$42.83/hr
Lawton, OK
$92,464
$44.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAltus, OKLawton, OK
Median Salary$89,081$92,464
Hourly Rate$42.83$44.45
Entry Level (P10)$51,667$53,630
25th Percentile$64,637$68,976
75th Percentile$113,628$118,354
Top Earner (P90)$138,075$143,320
Total Employed513
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Altus ($89,081) and Lawton ($92,464) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.AltusLawtonMedian Salary$89,081$92,464Entry Level (P10)$51,667$53,630Top Earner (P90)$138,075$143,320US Median $105,689

Verdict

Lawton, OK offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.

The salary gap between Altus and Lawton is $3,383 (3.80%). Lawton's median is -12.51% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $86,408,Lawton spans $89,690. Lawton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Altus
P10 (Entry)$51,667
P25$64,637
Median$89,081
P75$113,628
P90 (Top)$138,075
Lawton
P10 (Entry)$53,630
P25$68,976
Median$92,464
P75$118,354
P90 (Top)$143,320

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawton ($104,009 effective) pays 3.80% more than Altus ($100,204 effective).

Altus
Nominal: $89,081
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $100,204
Lawton
Nominal: $92,464
CoL Index: 88.9
Adjusted: $104,009

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Altus if…

  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Choose Lawton if…

  • Higher median salary ($92,464/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,320)
  • Larger job market (13 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,009)
  • You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Altus grew 32.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.9% growth in Lawton over the same period.

Altus, OK

+32.9%

$63,803 (2024) → $84,774 (2025)

Lawton, OK

+32.9%

$66,227 (2024) → $87,994 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Altus or Lawton?

Lawton has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $92,464/year, compared to Altus at $89,081/year — a difference of $3,383 (3.80%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Lawton?

Altus clinical and counseling psychologists earn $42.83/hr while Lawton hygienists earn $44.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Altus to Lawton as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Altus and Lawton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Altus = $100,204, Lawton = $104,009), job availability (5 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Altus vs Lawton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $51,667 in Altus and $53,630 in Lawton. The Lawton 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