Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Woodbridge, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Woodbridge, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,633▲ | $89,003 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.98▲ | $42.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,006▲ | $53,025 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,770▲ | $67,091 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,085▲ | $113,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,246▲ | $137,954 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodbridge.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge is $6,630 (7.45%). Virginia Beach's median is -9.51% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Virginia Beach spans $128,240,Woodbridge spans $84,929. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($97,643 effective) pays 13.22% more than Woodbridge ($86,243 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,633/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,246)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,643)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Virginia Beach grew -8.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -11.9% growth in Woodbridge over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$99,310 (2021) → $91,010 (2025)
Woodbridge, VA
$96,155 (2024) → $84,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Woodbridge, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Virginia Beach or Woodbridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Woodbridge?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Woodbridge as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Virginia Beach vs Woodbridge?
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