Psychologist Pay

Houston vs Tomball: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Houston, TX and Tomball, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$103,178
$49.61/hr
Tomball, TX
$74,579
$35.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXTomball, TX
Median Salary$103,178$74,579
Hourly Rate$49.61$35.85
Entry Level (P10)$58,992$43,890
25th Percentile$82,246$55,684
75th Percentile$111,490$95,462
Top Earner (P90)$144,306$115,599
Total Employed5605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($103,178) and Tomball ($74,579) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.HoustonTomballMedian Salary$103,178$74,579Entry Level (P10)$58,992$43,890Top Earner (P90)$144,306$115,599US Median $105,689

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tomball.

The salary gap between Houston and Tomball is $28,599 (38.35%). Houston's median is -2.38% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $85,314,Tomball spans $71,709. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$58,992
P25$82,246
Median$103,178
P75$111,490
P90 (Top)$144,306
Tomball
P10 (Entry)$43,890
P25$55,684
Median$74,579
P75$95,462
P90 (Top)$115,599

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($104,612 effective) pays 34.66% more than Tomball ($77,686 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $103,178
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $104,612
Tomball
Nominal: $74,579
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $77,686

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,178/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($144,306)
  • Larger job market (560 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,612)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Tomball if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Houston grew 24.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in Tomball over the same period.

Houston, TX

+24.3%

$78,990 (2021) → $98,190 (2025)

Tomball, TX

+6.3%

$66,771 (2024) → $70,974 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Houston or Tomball?

Houston has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $103,178/year, compared to Tomball at $74,579/year — a difference of $28,599 (38.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Tomball?

Houston clinical and counseling psychologists earn $49.61/hr while Tomball hygienists earn $35.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Tomball as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Tomball. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $104,612, Tomball = $77,686), job availability (560 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Houston vs Tomball?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $58,992 in Houston and $43,890 in Tomball. The Houston 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