Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Memphis, TN: $115,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $115,893/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $125,726 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Achieving top clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Memphis, TN, requires significant experience and expertise. In 2026, those at the 90th percentile can earn an impressive $115,893 annually, while the 75th percentile reports a substantial $101,518. The median annual salary for experienced professionals is projected at $75,521, illustrating a clear experience premium for senior-level positions. This pay gap emphasizes that advancement, often driven by specialization and clinical proficiency, is critical for those aiming to reach the highest echelons of compensation in the Memphis market. Top earners typically have extensive training or advanced credentials that enhance their marketability, pushing them above the median salary levels.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $101,518 and $115,893 per year (2026 est.). This $63,427 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $75,521 sits 28.54% below the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,521 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,518 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $115,893 | $190,153 |
In Memphis, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 53.46% 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 Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $75,521 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $101,518–$115,893 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis
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
AdvancedMemphis ranks #17 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $115,893).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Memphis ($115,893) is 9.09% below the Tennessee average P90 ($127,481).
2021 BLS Actual
$102,062
2025 BLS Actual
$110,290
2026 Current Est.
$115,893
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Memphis (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $102,062 | Actual |
| 2022 | $208,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $217,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $184,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,780 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $102,062 in 2021 to $110,290 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 $121,780 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 Memphis
In Memphis, several factors influence senior clinical and counseling psychologist pay, where specialized practices like neuropsychology and trauma-informed care can command notably higher salaries. The type of employer affects compensation; those working within large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics generally receive more competitive packages compared to community health centers or private practices. Career advancement opportunities, such as becoming a lead practitioner or clinical coordinator, can also enhance earning potential. Moreover, obtaining additional certifications beyond state licensure, like the Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP), provides an added advantage that can positively affect salary levels. Non-salary compensation drivers, including benefits structures, workplace flexibility, and shift differentials, may also play a role in total compensation for senior professionals in this region.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Memphis?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Memphis?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Memphis?
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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 $110,290 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Memphis 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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