Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Independence, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $93,633▲ | $87,143 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.02▲ | $41.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,306▲ | $51,720 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,492 | $72,348▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,850 | $141,511▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $145,130 | $196,825▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County is $6,490 (7.45%). Independence's median is -11.41% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $90,824,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $145,105. Louisville/Jefferson County 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, Independence ($104,852 effective) pays 11.99% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($93,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,633/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,852)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,825)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Independence grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.8% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Independence, KY
$78,750 (2024) → $89,106 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$94,050 (2021) → $82,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Independence or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Independence to Louisville/Jefferson County as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Independence vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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