Charleston vs North Charleston: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,302 | $69,758▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.84 | $33.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,316▲ | $40,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,302▲ | $52,274 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,027▲ | $89,291 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,236 | $108,125▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $1,456 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is -34.00% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $39,920,North Charleston spans $67,665. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($76,238 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($67,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,758/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,125)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,238)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Charleston grew -27.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$89,690 (2022) → $65,000 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$71,082 (2024) → $66,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Charleston or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Charleston vs North Charleston?
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