Austin vs Dallas: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,397 | $111,889▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.42 | $53.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,666 | $63,037▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,405 | $83,265▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,399 | $118,751▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,995 | $151,294▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Dallas is $19,492 (21.10%). Dallas's median is +5.87% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $77,329,Dallas spans $88,257. Dallas 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, Dallas ($108,535 effective) pays 15.19% more than Austin ($94,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,889/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,294)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,535)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Austin grew 6.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 36.4% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Austin, TX
$82,220 (2021) → $87,930 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$78,040 (2021) → $106,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Austin or Dallas?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Dallas?
Should I relocate from Austin to Dallas as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Austin vs Dallas?
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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