Buffalo vs Long Beach: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Long Beach, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Long Beach, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,847▲ | $110,249 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.78▲ | $53.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,943▲ | $63,944 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,427▲ | $79,765 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,343 | $141,118▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,096 | $170,885▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Long Beach.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Long Beach is $1,598 (1.45%). Buffalo's median is +5.83% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $93,153,Long Beach spans $106,941. Long Beach 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, Buffalo ($116,697 effective) pays 22.68% more than Long Beach ($95,124 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,847/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,697)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,885)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Buffalo grew 1.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -21.6% growth in Long Beach over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$104,580 (2021) → $106,440 (2025)
Long Beach, NY
$133,780 (2024) → $104,919 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Long Beach, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Buffalo or Long Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Long Beach?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Long Beach as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Buffalo vs Long Beach?
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