Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Maryville, TN: $42,131 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Maryville, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,131 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maryville's local price level (BEA RPP 91.8 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,894 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,639) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the clinical and counseling psychology field in Maryville, Tennessee, can expect a starting salary of approximately $42,131. This figure represents the lower end of the pay spectrum for entry-level professionals, which creates a notable gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $72,639. However, there is significant potential for growth, as new professionals can anticipate earning around $53,680 as they gain experience and skills within their first few years. The increasing demand for mental health services in Maryville suggests that it is a favorable market for newcomers, allowing early-career psychologists to advance toward the median salary, specifically as healthcare facilities and organizations expand their mental health initiatives.
About the Maryville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($89,280) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maryville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maryville
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Maryville, TN typically start between $42,131 and $53,680 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,459 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,639 — 31.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Tennessee of $60,000 represents just 142.41% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($42,131/year) in Maryville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on APA-accredited PsyD and PhD clinical psychology program data. PsyD programs (predominantly clinical) typically charge tuition; PhD programs (research-focused) often offer full funding plus stipend. Median time-to-degree is 5-7 years; an additional 1-2 year clinical postdoc plus state EPPP exam is required for licensure.
CCP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Maryville
- 1Research the Maryville market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $42,131 to $53,680, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the psychology field — employers in TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Maryville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Maryville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maryville's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Compensation Range
The clinical and counseling psychologist wage spread in Maryville is $70,459 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,131, experienced hygienists can earn up to $112,590.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$34,164
2025 BLS Actual
$40,094
2026 Current Est.
$42,131
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Maryville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,164 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,138 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,131 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,271 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Maryville, TN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,164 in 2021 to $40,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,271. New graduates entering the Maryville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maryville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your psychology Career in Maryville
New graduates aiming to maximize their earning potential in Maryville should consider employment with larger hospital systems or corporate group practices, as they typically offer structured onboarding programs tailored for newly licensed professionals. Additionally, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body can significantly enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities in TN. Over the first three years, entry-level psychologists may experience a realistic increase in salary as they establish their practice and build a client base. Compensation can vary based on employer type and geographical location; thus, fostering connections with established mental health practitioners and continuing education can open pathways to higher positions and salaries in this evolving profession.
More salary data for Maryville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new psychology graduates. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Maryville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maryville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
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