Austin vs Houston: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,397 | $103,178▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.42 | $49.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,666 | $58,992▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,405 | $82,246▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,399▲ | $111,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,995 | $144,306▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Houston, 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 Houston is $10,781 (11.67%). Houston's median is -2.38% 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,Houston spans $85,314. Houston 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, Houston ($104,612 effective) pays 11.03% 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 Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,178/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,306)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,612)
- ✓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 24.3% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$82,220 (2021) → $87,930 (2025)
Houston, TX
$78,990 (2021) → $98,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Austin vs Houston?
Related Comparisons
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