Niagara Falls vs Rochester: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Niagara Falls, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Niagara Falls, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,189▲ | $100,646 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.97▲ | $48.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,910▲ | $57,573 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,646▲ | $75,048 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,042▲ | $129,511 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,793 | $179,456▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Niagara Falls and Rochester are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Niagara Falls and Rochester is $9,543 (9.48%). Niagara Falls's median is +4.26% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Niagara Falls spans $106,883,Rochester spans $121,883. Rochester 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, Rochester ($103,721 effective) pays 9.10% more than Niagara Falls ($95,072 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,189/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,456)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,721)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Niagara Falls grew -21.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Niagara Falls, NY
$133,706 (2024) → $104,862 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$104,580 (2021) → $95,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Niagara Falls, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Niagara Falls or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Niagara Falls and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Niagara Falls to Rochester as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Niagara Falls vs Rochester?
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