Bellingham vs Seattle: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Bellingham, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,414 | $124,979▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.53 | $60.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,780 | $72,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,658 | $89,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,170 | $159,973▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,791 | $193,717▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 116▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Seattle is $11,565 (10.20%). Seattle's median is +18.25% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $110,011,Seattle spans $121,230. Seattle 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, Seattle ($116,368 effective) pays 10.20% more than Bellingham ($105,600 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($124,979/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,717)
- ✓Larger job market (116 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,368)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Bellingham grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$112,878 (2024) → $107,931 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$101,750 (2021) → $118,937 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Bellingham or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Seattle as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Bellingham vs Seattle?
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