Franklin vs South Bend: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Franklin, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,382 | $89,833▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.01 | $43.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,682 | $51,437▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,931 | $67,146▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,849▲ | $108,264 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,443▲ | $134,744 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and South Bend is $2,451 (2.80%). 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 Franklin spans $84,761,South Bend spans $83,307. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($96,742 effective) pays 1.08% more than Franklin ($95,709 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,443)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,833/year)
- ✓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 Franklin grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$79,998 (2024) → $83,158 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$74,490 (2021) → $85,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Franklin or South Bend?
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Should I relocate from Franklin to South Bend as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Franklin vs South Bend?
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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