Elkhart vs South Bend: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Elkhart, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,775 | $89,833▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.72 | $43.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,752▲ | $51,437 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,172▲ | $67,146 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,111 | $108,264▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,352 | $134,744▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 90▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and South Bend is $3,058 (3.52%). South Bend's median is -15.00% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $66,600,South Bend spans $83,307. South Bend 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, South Bend ($96,742 effective) pays 0.70% more than Elkhart ($96,070 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,833/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,744)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,742)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Elkhart grew 14.4% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$72,180 (2022) → $82,580 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$74,490 (2021) → $85,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Elkhart or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to South Bend as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Elkhart vs South Bend?
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