Psychologist Salary in Tennessee
Based on 1K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$76,820
$36.93/hr
vs National Average
$97,188
-21.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$51K – $127K
1K employed in Tennessee
The median Psychologist salary in Tennessee is $76,820 annually, which translates to about $37 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, falling 21.0% below. Currently, there are approximately 1,180 psychologists employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Psychologist salary in Tennessee, including experience level, specific industry of employment, and geographic location within the state. Those with more specialized skills or working in higher-demand areas may command salaries above the median of $76,820, potentially reaching up to $126,930, while entry-level positions may start closer to $50,520.
Salary Distribution — Psychologist in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,520 |
| 25th percentile | $56,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,820 |
| 75th percentile | $100,180 |
| 90th percentile | $126,930 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychologist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychologists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychologists in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $131,040 | — |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $112,010 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,960 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $99,770 | 63K |
| Educational Services | $91,550 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychologist in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,125 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,820 | $97,188 |
| 2026 (projected) | $79,125 | $100,104 |
Psychologist Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $100,180 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,930 |
Psychologist Salary in Other States
Related Psychologist Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Psychologist ($76,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychologist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicist in TN | $165,010 | +114.8% | $79.33/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in TN | $134,560 | +75.2% | $64.69/hr |
| Medical Scientist in TN | $102,720 | +33.7% | $49.38/hr |
| Chemist in TN | $87,930 | +14.5% | $42.27/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in TN | $78,970 | +2.8% | $37.97/hr |
| Geoscientist in TN | $77,870 | +1.4% | $37.44/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in TN | $76,840 | +0.0% | $36.94/hr |
| Accountant in TN | $76,840 | +0.0% | $36.94/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in TN | $76,680 | -0.2% | $36.87/hr |
| Software Engineer in TN | $76,470 | -0.5% | $36.76/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in TN | $77,640 | +1.1% | $37.33/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in TN | $75,190 | -2.1% | $36.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a psychologist in Tennessee?
- The median Psychologist salary in Tennessee is $76,820 per year, or $37 per hour. This indicates that half of psychologists in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for psychologists in Tennessee?
- The salary range for psychologists in Tennessee spans from $50,520 on the lower end to $126,930 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
How does a psychologist's salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- A Psychologist salary in Tennessee is 21.0% lower than the national average. While the median is $76,820 in Tennessee, the national median is significantly higher.
How many psychologists are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 1,180 psychologists currently employed in Tennessee. This number suggests a moderate demand for psychological services within the state.