San Diego vs San Francisco: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,752 | $174,853▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.42 | $84.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,529 | $86,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,726 | $117,826▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,415 | $192,202▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $197,267 | $211,452▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,650▲ | 1,540 |
Verdict
San Francisco, 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 San Francisco is $99,101 (130.82%). 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 San Diego spans $144,738,San Francisco spans $125,055. San Diego 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 123.38% 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 San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($174,853/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($211,452)
- ✓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 San Diego grew -45.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$132,320 (2021) → $72,090 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$129,980 (2021) → $166,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: San Diego or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Francisco as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in San Diego 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