Los Angeles vs Tracy: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Tracy, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Tracy, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,292 | $119,052▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.14 | $57.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,461 | $69,050▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,043 | $86,993▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,086 | $152,387▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,153▲ | $184,531 |
| Total Employed | 4,790▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Tracy are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Tracy is $14,760 (14.15%). Tracy's median is +12.64% 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,Tracy spans $115,481. 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, Tracy ($105,263 effective) pays 14.62% 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 Tracy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,052/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,263)
- ✓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 Tracy over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$125,860 (2021) → $99,250 (2025)
Tracy, CA
$125,832 (2024) → $113,297 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Los Angeles or Tracy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Tracy?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Tracy as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Los Angeles vs Tracy?
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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