Sacramento vs San Francisco: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Sacramento, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $160,825 | $174,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.32 | $84.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,503 | $86,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,593 | $117,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $189,249 | $192,202▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $216,087▲ | $211,452 |
| Total Employed | 630 | 1,540▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Sacramento and San Francisco is $14,028 (8.72%). San Francisco's median is +65.44% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $148,584,San Francisco spans $125,055. Sacramento 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, San Francisco ($151,240 effective) pays 0.31% more than Sacramento ($150,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,087)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,853/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,540 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $151,240)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Sacramento grew 18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$129,380 (2021) → $153,050 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$129,980 (2021) → $166,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Sacramento or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to San Francisco as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Sacramento vs San Francisco?
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