Dale City vs Virginia Beach: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Dale City, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dale City, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,111 | $95,633▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.32 | $45.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,265 | $57,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,062 | $77,770▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,342 | $120,085▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,672 | $185,246▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dale City.
The salary gap between Dale City and Virginia Beach is $5,522 (6.13%). Virginia Beach's median is -9.51% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dale City spans $87,407,Virginia Beach spans $128,240. Virginia 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, Virginia Beach ($97,643 effective) pays 11.83% more than Dale City ($87,317 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dale City if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,633/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,246)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,643)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Dale City grew -11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.4% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Dale City, VA
$97,354 (2024) → $85,755 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$99,310 (2021) → $91,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dale City, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Dale City or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dale City and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Dale City to Virginia Beach as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Dale City vs Virginia 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