Psychologist Pay

Brentwood vs Memphis: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Brentwood, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brentwood, TN
$73,790
$35.48/hr
Memphis, TN
$75,521
$36.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrentwood, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$73,790$75,521
Hourly Rate$35.48$36.31
Entry Level (P10)$44,371$52,466
25th Percentile$54,286$57,973
75th Percentile$94,451$101,518
Top Earner (P90)$114,375$115,893
Total Employed7170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brentwood ($73,790) and Memphis ($75,521) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.BrentwoodMemphisMedian Salary$73,790$75,521Entry Level (P10)$44,371$52,466Top Earner (P90)$114,375$115,893US Median $105,689

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.

The salary gap between Brentwood and Memphis is $1,731 (2.35%). Memphis's median is -28.54% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $70,004,Memphis spans $63,427. Brentwood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brentwood
P10 (Entry)$44,371
P25$54,286
Median$73,790
P75$94,451
P90 (Top)$114,375
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$52,466
P25$57,973
Median$75,521
P75$101,518
P90 (Top)$115,893

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($81,929 effective) pays 1.93% more than Brentwood ($80,381 effective).

Brentwood
Nominal: $73,790
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $80,381
Memphis
Nominal: $75,521
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $81,929

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brentwood if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,521/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,893)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,929)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Brentwood grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -28.1% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Brentwood, TN

+-11.2%

$79,058 (2024) → $70,223 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+-28.1%

$99,980 (2021) → $71,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Brentwood or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $75,521/year, compared to Brentwood at $73,790/year — a difference of $1,731 (2.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Memphis?

Brentwood clinical and counseling psychologists earn $35.48/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $36.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brentwood to Memphis as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brentwood and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brentwood = $80,381, Memphis = $81,929), job availability (7 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Brentwood vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $44,371 in Brentwood and $52,466 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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