Dallas vs Fort Worth: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Dallas, TX and Fort Worth, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Fort Worth, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,889▲ | $111,160 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.79▲ | $53.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,037 | $64,473▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,265▲ | $80,851 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,751 | $142,285▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,294 | $172,298▲ |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 219 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Worth.
The salary gap between Dallas and Fort Worth is $729 (0.66%). Dallas's median is +5.87% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $88,257,Fort Worth spans $107,825. Fort Worth 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, Fort Worth ($115,792 effective) pays 6.69% more than Dallas ($108,535 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,889/year)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,298)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,792)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Dallas grew 36.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 35.4% growth in Fort Worth over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$78,040 (2021) → $106,480 (2025)
Fort Worth, TX
$78,118 (2024) → $105,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Fort Worth, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Dallas or Fort Worth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Fort Worth?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Fort Worth as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Dallas vs Fort Worth?
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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.
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