Atlantic City vs Plainfield: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Plainfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $117,549 | $121,525▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $56.51 | $58.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,729▲ | $70,485 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,240▲ | $87,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $150,462 | $155,552▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,200 | $188,364▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Plainfield, NJ offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Plainfield is $3,976 (3.38%). Plainfield's median is +14.98% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $111,471,Plainfield spans $117,879. Plainfield 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, Plainfield ($105,490 effective) pays 3.38% more than Atlantic City ($102,039 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Plainfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($121,525/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($188,364)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,490)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Atlantic City grew 16.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.0% growth in Plainfield over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$96,360 (2024) → $111,866 (2025)
Plainfield, NJ
$137,600 (2024) → $115,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Atlantic City or Plainfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Plainfield?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Plainfield as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Atlantic City vs Plainfield?
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