Psychologist Pay

Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Brentwood, TN: $114,375 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Brentwood, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,375/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Brentwood's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $124,592 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$114,375
Top 10% Earn
$54.99/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$94,451
75th Percentile
$114,375
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Senior Salary in Brentwood, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Brentwood, TN clinical and counseling psychologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For seasoned clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood, TN, the potential for substantial earnings is clear, with top-tier professionals reaching compensation levels as high as $114,375 in 2026. This marks a rigorous difference between the median salary of $73,790 and the top earners' figures, highlighting an experience premium that rewards those with over seven years in the field. Achieving such high levels of compensation typically involves specializing in areas like neuropsychology or trauma therapy where demand is strong, alongside building a robust reputation in the community. This disparity in pay reflects both the skills and the advanced contributions that experienced practitioners bring to the table in their roles.

About the Brentwood Market

Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($89,280) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Brentwood

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood. The median salary is $73,790, compared to the national median of $105,689.$39.9K$60.0K$80.0K$100.1K$120.1K$44.4K10th Pctl$54.3K25th Pctl$73.8KMedian$94.5K75th Pctl$114.4K90th PctlUS Median$105.7K

Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Brentwood earn between $94,451 and $114,375 per year (2026 est.). This $70,004 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Brentwood median of $73,790 sits 30.18% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in the Brentwood metro area.

Top CCP Salary Comparison

LevelBrentwoodNational
Median (P50)$73,790$105,689
75th Percentile$94,451$142,068
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$114,375$190,153

In Brentwood, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay in Brentwood

1

Advanced Certifications in Tennessee

TN clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $73,790 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Brentwood employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Brentwood command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,451–$114,375 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Brentwood metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Brentwood

Clinical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

0-5 years
$44,371 – $73,790

Senior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

5-10 years
$73,790 – $94,451

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager

10+ years
$94,451+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Brentwood ranks #23 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $114,375).

Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Brentwood ($114,375) is 10.28% below the Tennessee average P90 ($127,481).

2021 BLS Actual

$100,726

2025 BLS Actual

$108,846

2026 Current Est.

$114,375

2021–2027 Growth

+19.3%

Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Brentwood (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood. Baseline $100,726 in 2025, projected to $120,186 by 2027.$96.4K$104.0K$111.6K$119.3K$126.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$100.7K$101.5K$101.6K$122.5K$108.8K$114.4K$120.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$100,726Actual
2022$101,526Actual
2023$101,574Actual
2024$122,540Actual
2025$108,846Actual
2026(current)$114,375Estimated
2027$120,186Projected

Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Brentwood saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $100,726 in 2021 to $108,846 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.08% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $120,186 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Earnings in Brentwood

When considering senior-level compensation, specializations can significantly influence pay rates in Brentwood. Areas such as child psychology, addiction counseling, and forensic psychology often command higher wages due to the specific skills and training involved. Furthermore, the type of employer plays a vital role in determining salaries; private practices may offer flexibility but can be less lucrative compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that provide more comprehensive benefits and higher overall pay structures. Career advancement opportunities also abound, allowing individuals to take on roles such as lead practitioner or clinical coordinator, which typically come with increased responsibilities and corresponding pay increases. Advanced credentials, like becoming a Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP), further enhance earning potential in the state. Non-salary benefits, including flexible schedules and professional development opportunities, also serve as important incentives for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Brentwood in 2026?

Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood (90th percentile) make $114,375/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.08% annual growth). This is $40,585 more than the area median of $73,790 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior clinical and counseling psychologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Brentwood?

Higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Brentwood is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Brentwood?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for clinical and counseling psychologists in Brentwood include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $73,790, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Brentwood?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Brentwood is $114,375, well above $100K. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Brentwood?

In Brentwood, the gap between entry level ($44,371) and top earners ($114,375) is $70,004, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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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.

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

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $108,846 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Brentwood metro area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Brentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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