Los Angeles vs Redwood City: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Redwood City, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Redwood City, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,292 | $119,868▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.14 | $57.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,461 | $69,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,043 | $86,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,086 | $153,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,153▲ | $185,795 |
| Total Employed | 4,790▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Redwood City are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Redwood City is $15,576 (14.93%). Redwood City's median is +13.42% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $122,692,Redwood City spans $116,272. Los Angeles 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, Redwood City ($105,984 effective) pays 15.41% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,153)
- ✓Larger job market (4,790 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Redwood City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,868/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,984)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Los Angeles grew -21.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -10.0% growth in Redwood City over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$125,860 (2021) → $99,250 (2025)
Redwood City, CA
$126,693 (2024) → $114,073 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Redwood City, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Los Angeles or Redwood City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Redwood City?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Redwood City as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Los Angeles vs Redwood City?
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