Psychologist Pay

Columbus vs Mentor: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Columbus, OH and Mentor, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbus, OH
$109,672
$52.73/hr
Mentor, OH
$102,186
$49.12/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHMentor, OH
Median Salary$109,672$102,186
Hourly Rate$52.73$49.12
Entry Level (P10)$41,570$60,435
25th Percentile$44,701$76,781
75th Percentile$164,019$130,798
Top Earner (P90)$168,443$158,388
Total Employed5109
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($109,672) and Mentor ($102,186) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ColumbusMentorMedian Salary$109,672$102,186Entry Level (P10)$41,570$60,435Top Earner (P90)$168,443$158,388US Median $105,689

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mentor.

The salary gap between Columbus and Mentor is $7,486 (7.33%). Columbus's median is +3.77% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $126,873,Mentor spans $97,953. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$41,570
P25$44,701
Median$109,672
P75$164,019
P90 (Top)$168,443
Mentor
P10 (Entry)$60,435
P25$76,781
Median$102,186
P75$130,798
P90 (Top)$158,388

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($114,877 effective) pays 1.96% more than Mentor ($112,664 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $109,672
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $114,877
Mentor
Nominal: $102,186
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $112,664

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,672/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($168,443)
  • Larger job market (510 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,877)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Mentor if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Columbus grew 26.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Mentor over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+26.9%

$82,220 (2021) → $104,370 (2025)

Mentor, OH

+22.4%

$79,439 (2024) → $97,246 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Columbus or Mentor?

Columbus has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $109,672/year, compared to Mentor at $102,186/year — a difference of $7,486 (7.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Mentor?

Columbus clinical and counseling psychologists earn $52.73/hr while Mentor hygienists earn $49.12/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Mentor as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Mentor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $114,877, Mentor = $112,664), job availability (510 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Columbus vs Mentor?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $41,570 in Columbus and $60,435 in Mentor. The Mentor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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