Psychologist Pay

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

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

Columbus, OH
$109,672
$52.73/hr
Oxford, OH
$100,499
$48.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHOxford, OH
Median Salary$109,672$100,499
Hourly Rate$52.73$48.32
Entry Level (P10)$41,570$58,289
25th Percentile$44,701$78,539
75th Percentile$164,019$128,638
Top Earner (P90)$168,443$155,773
Total Employed5106
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($109,672) and Oxford ($100,499) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.ColumbusOxfordMedian Salary$109,672$100,499Entry Level (P10)$41,570$58,289Top Earner (P90)$168,443$155,773US Median $105,689

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Oxford is $9,173 (9.13%). 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,Oxford spans $97,484. 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
Oxford
P10 (Entry)$58,289
P25$78,539
Median$100,499
P75$128,638
P90 (Top)$155,773

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($114,877 effective) pays 3.68% more than Oxford ($110,804 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $109,672
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $114,877
Oxford
Nominal: $100,499
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $110,804

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 Oxford 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 Oxford over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+26.9%

$82,220 (2021) → $104,370 (2025)

Oxford, OH

+22.4%

$78,128 (2024) → $95,640 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Columbus has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $109,672/year, compared to Oxford at $100,499/year — a difference of $9,173 (9.13%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Oxford?

Columbus clinical and counseling psychologists earn $52.73/hr while Oxford hygienists earn $48.32/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Oxford. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $114,877, Oxford = $110,804), job availability (510 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $41,570 in Columbus and $58,289 in Oxford. The Oxford area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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