San Diego vs Oxnard: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between San Diego, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,752 | $122,902▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.42 | $59.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,529▲ | $51,605 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,726 | $67,482▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,415 | $178,573▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,267 | $232,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,650▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Oxnard, CA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and Oxnard is $47,150 (62.24%). Oxnard's median is +16.29% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $144,738,Oxnard spans $180,916. Oxnard 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, Oxnard ($111,189 effective) pays 64.23% more than San Diego ($67,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,902/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,521)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,189)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in San Diego grew -45.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$132,320 (2021) → $72,090 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$116,290 (2021) → $116,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: San Diego or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Oxnard as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in San Diego vs Oxnard?
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