Psychologist Pay

Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Madison, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$112,940
$54.29/hr
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$113,446
$54.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIWisconsin Rapids, WI
Median Salary$112,940$113,446
Hourly Rate$54.29$54.54
Entry Level (P10)$84,001$66,717
25th Percentile$98,964$82,108
75th Percentile$155,004$145,211
Top Earner (P90)$179,025$175,842
Total Employed2505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($112,940) and Wisconsin Rapids ($113,446) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.MadisonWisconsin RapidsMedian Salary$112,940$113,446Entry Level (P10)$84,001$66,717Top Earner (P90)$179,025$175,842US Median $105,689

Verdict

Madison and Wisconsin Rapids are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids is $506 (0.45%). Wisconsin Rapids's median is +7.34% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $95,024,Wisconsin Rapids spans $109,125. Wisconsin Rapids has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$84,001
P25$98,964
Median$112,940
P75$155,004
P90 (Top)$179,025
Wisconsin Rapids
P10 (Entry)$66,717
P25$82,108
Median$113,446
P75$145,211
P90 (Top)$175,842

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wisconsin Rapids ($121,463 effective) pays 4.63% more than Madison ($116,090 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $112,940
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $116,090
Wisconsin Rapids
Nominal: $113,446
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $121,463

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($179,025)
  • Larger job market (250 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Wisconsin Rapids if…

  • Higher median salary ($113,446/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,463)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Madison grew 35.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.

Madison, WI

+35.3%

$79,430 (2021) → $107,480 (2025)

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

+35.6%

$79,625 (2024) → $107,962 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Madison or Wisconsin Rapids?

Wisconsin Rapids has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $113,446/year, compared to Madison at $112,940/year — a difference of $506 (0.45%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids?

Madison clinical and counseling psychologists earn $54.29/hr while Wisconsin Rapids hygienists earn $54.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Wisconsin Rapids as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Wisconsin Rapids. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $116,090, Wisconsin Rapids = $121,463), job availability (250 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $84,001 in Madison and $66,717 in Wisconsin Rapids. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
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