Santa Fe vs Taos: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,149▲ | $91,785 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.42▲ | $44.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,805▲ | $54,091 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,148▲ | $68,876 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,149▲ | $117,485 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,149 | $142,267▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Taos.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $46,364 (50.51%). Santa Fe's median is +30.71% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $80,344,Taos spans $88,176. Taos 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, Santa Fe ($139,874 effective) pays 43.86% more than Taos ($97,230 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,149/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,874)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,267)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Santa Fe grew 59.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$82,590 (2022) → $131,470 (2025)
Taos, NM
$69,979 (2024) → $87,348 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Santa Fe or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Santa Fe and Taos?
Should I relocate from Santa Fe to Taos as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
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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