Laguna Niguel vs Los Angeles: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Laguna Niguel, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laguna Niguel, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,984▲ | $104,292 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.21▲ | $50.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,011▲ | $67,461 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,863▲ | $84,043 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,300▲ | $150,086 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,426 | $190,153▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 4,790▲ |
Verdict
Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles is $14,692 (14.09%). Laguna Niguel's median is +12.58% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laguna Niguel spans $115,415,Los Angeles spans $122,692. Los Angeles 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, Laguna Niguel ($105,202 effective) pays 14.56% more than Los Angeles ($91,834 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laguna Niguel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($118,984/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,202)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,153)
- ✓Larger job market (4,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Laguna Niguel grew -10.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -21.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Laguna Niguel, CA
$125,760 (2024) → $113,232 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$125,860 (2021) → $99,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laguna Niguel, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Laguna Niguel or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Laguna Niguel to Los Angeles as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Laguna Niguel vs Los Angeles?
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