Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Jackson, TN: $119,626 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Jackson, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,626/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $130,312 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

In Jackson, TN, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists can achieve remarkable earning potential, with the top clinical and counseling psychologist salary reaching $119,626 in 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the median annual salary of $77,178, creating a substantial income gap that reflects the premium associated with advanced experience and expertise. To reach this upper tier, professionals typically build a strong foundation through seven or more years of practice, often supplemented by specialized training or certifications. Given that the 90th percentile salaries in Jackson are notably lower than the national average of $105,689, it highlights the unique characteristics of the local job market and the need for strategic career advancement to strive for top earnings in this field.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($89,280) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $98,788 and $119,626 per year (2026 est.). This $74,863 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $77,178 sits 26.98% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,178 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,788 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,626 | $190,153 |
In Jackson, 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 Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $77,178 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $98,788–$119,626 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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 Jackson
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
AdvancedJackson ranks #7 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $119,626).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Jackson ($119,626) is 6.16% below the Tennessee average P90 ($127,481).
2021 BLS Actual
$105,350
2025 BLS Actual
$113,843
2026 Current Est.
$119,626
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $105,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,187 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,237 | Actual |
| 2024 | $133,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $113,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,626 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,703 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $105,350 in 2021 to $113,843 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 $125,703 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Compensation for senior clinical and counseling psychologists in Jackson varies greatly depending on the specialization and type of employer. Certain niche areas, such as neuropsychology or substance abuse treatment, command premium salaries, with professionals often working in private practices or large healthcare organizations seeing higher pay than those in community health centers. Advancement is typically possible through roles such as clinical coordinator or department director, while obtaining advanced credentials, such as Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP), can enhance earning potential significantly. Furthermore, non-salary compensation aspects, like flexible work hours, benefits structures, and shift differentials, also influence overall remuneration packages. The diverse settings in which clinical psychologists operate contribute to a dynamic compensation environment, making careful consideration of career paths and specializations essential for maximizing senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay in TN.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Jackson?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Jackson?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Jackson?
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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 $113,843 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Jackson 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 Jackson 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