Psychologist Pay

Hendersonville vs Knoxville: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)

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

Hendersonville, TN
$74,306
$35.73/hr
Knoxville, TN
$67,682
$32.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHendersonville, TNKnoxville, TN
Median Salary$74,306$67,682
Hourly Rate$35.73$32.54
Entry Level (P10)$43,098$53,959
25th Percentile$53,500$55,797
75th Percentile$95,112$103,220
Top Earner (P90)$115,175$139,714
Total Employed13170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hendersonville ($74,306) and Knoxville ($67,682) clinical and counseling psychologist salaries.HendersonvilleKnoxvilleMedian Salary$74,306$67,682Entry Level (P10)$43,098$53,959Top Earner (P90)$115,175$139,714US Median $105,689

Verdict

Hendersonville and Knoxville are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Hendersonville and Knoxville is $6,624 (9.79%). Hendersonville's median is -29.69% compared to the US national median of $105,689.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hendersonville spans $72,077,Knoxville spans $85,755. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.

Hendersonville
P10 (Entry)$43,098
P25$53,500
Median$74,306
P75$95,112
P90 (Top)$115,175
Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$53,959
P25$55,797
Median$67,682
P75$103,220
P90 (Top)$139,714

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hendersonville ($80,943 effective) pays 10.71% more than Knoxville ($73,115 effective).

Hendersonville
Nominal: $74,306
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $80,943
Knoxville
Nominal: $67,682
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $73,115

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hendersonville if…

  • Higher median salary ($74,306/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,943)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($139,714)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Hendersonville grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.

Hendersonville, TN

+-11.2%

$79,611 (2024) → $70,714 (2025)

Knoxville, TN

+-1.5%

$65,380 (2021) → $64,410 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Hendersonville or Knoxville?

Hendersonville has a higher median clinical and counseling psychologist salary at $74,306/year, compared to Knoxville at $67,682/year — a difference of $6,624 (9.79%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hendersonville and Knoxville?

Hendersonville clinical and counseling psychologists earn $35.73/hr while Knoxville hygienists earn $32.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hendersonville to Knoxville as a clinical and counseling psychologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hendersonville and Knoxville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hendersonville = $80,943, Knoxville = $73,115), job availability (13 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Hendersonville vs Knoxville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) clinical and counseling psychologists earn $43,098 in Hendersonville and $53,959 in Knoxville. The Knoxville 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