Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Franklin, TN: $124,081 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Franklin, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $124,081/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $135,164 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior clinical and counseling psychologists in Franklin, TN, can anticipate earnings that truly reflect their expertise and experience in the field. Those in the top 10% of this profession project a remarkable annual salary of $124,081 in 2026, significantly surpassing the local median of $80,052. This disparity underscores the experience premium associated with advanced roles, as the most seasoned professionals often command salaries well above the 75th percentile, projected at $102,467. Achieving such top clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Franklin typically requires not only extensive hands-on experience but also ongoing professional development, specialization in high-demand areas, and a commitment to providing exceptional quality care.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($89,280) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $102,467 and $124,081 per year (2026 est.). This $77,650 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $80,052 sits 24.26% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $80,052 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,467 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $124,081 | $190,153 |
In Franklin, 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 Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $80,052 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $102,467–$124,081 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured clinical and counseling psychologists in Franklin with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
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 Franklin
Clinical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
5-10 yearsClinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #4 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $124,081).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Franklin ($124,081) is 2.67% below the Tennessee average P90 ($127,481).
2021 BLS Actual
$109,273
2025 BLS Actual
$118,082
2026 Current Est.
$124,081
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Franklin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $109,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,193 | Actual |
| 2024 | $124,253 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,081 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,384 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $109,273 in 2021 to $118,082 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 $130,384 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Maximizing Your Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Earnings in Franklin
Compensation for experienced professionals in Franklin varies notably depending on the type of employer. Senior psychologists affiliated with large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics may find their salaries elevated due to the resources and client base such institutions offer. Meanwhile, those in private practices may experience different challenges, potentially affecting their income despite business ownership advantages. A focus on high-demand specializations, such as child psychology or trauma-informed care, often leads to enhanced pay opportunities. Holding advanced credentials like Clinical Psychologist or additional certifications recognized nationally can further enhance one’s marketability and salary negotiating power. Moreover, factors such as employer size, benefits packages, and potential shift differentials could provide comprehensive compensation that goes beyond base salary for seasoned psychologists in this region.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Franklin?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Franklin?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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
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 $118,082 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Franklin 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 Franklin 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