Athens vs Atlanta: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,309 | $102,022▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.70 | $49.05▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,759▲ | $20,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,942▲ | $56,218 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,675 | $167,655▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,028 | $216,538▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $713 (0.70%). Atlanta's median is -3.47% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $98,269,Atlanta spans $196,216. Atlanta 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, Athens ($108,817 effective) pays 6.72% more than Atlanta ($101,963 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,817)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,022/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,538)
- ✓Larger job market (770 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 Athens grew 53.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 55.4% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$62,790 (2022) → $96,411 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$62,460 (2021) → $97,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Athens or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Atlanta as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Athens vs Atlanta?
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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