Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $36.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Memphis, TN runs $36.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,521 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,309 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the hourly pay for clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to be $36.31 in 2026. This figure falls below the national hourly median of $50.81, indicating a significant disparity. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a manageable income, allowing these psychologists to engage in their work while retaining flexibility. Per-diem rates for clinical and counseling psychologists in the area can vary considerably, but typically range from $25.23 to $55.72, reflecting both entry-level positions and the earnings of seasoned professionals. These numbers, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlight the various earning potential within this essential mental health profession in Memphis.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.23 | $201.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.88 | $223.02 |
| Median (P50) | $36.31 | $290.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.81 | $390.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.72 | $445.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $36.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.31/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $75,515 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,566. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,452.21 | $6,293 | $75,515 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $871.32 | $3,776 | $45,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.88 | $2,517 | $30,206 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Memphis) | $36.31 |
| School Psychologist (National Avg) | $41.79 |
| Psychiatrist (National Avg) | $116.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.16 |
| Clinical Social Worker (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) (National Avg) | $30.99 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $75,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.54% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.30% below the Tennessee state average of $76,516.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.31/hr = $45,309/year (purchasing power: $49,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,515/year (purchasing power: $81,922).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$48.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.6%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Memphis grew -28.1% from $48.07/hr (2021) to $34.55/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.15/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem clinical and counseling psychologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in Memphis
When considering earning potential, a clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate would generate an annual income of approximately $45,000, which is significantly lower than that of a full-time psychologist. For those choosing per-diem work, the financial incentives can be appealing; rates often come with a 10-25% premium over regular employment, particularly for agency or locum tenens positions. Hourly rates can also vary based on the employer type in Memphis, with private practices generally offering lower rates compared to large healthcare organizations or specialized clinics that may provide better compensation packages. This creates a trade-off for many psychologists when weighing the benefits of health insurance against opting for higher hourly pay with fewer protections. Additionally, negotiation strategies that include emphasizing specialty skills or the flexibility to take on challenging schedules can be advantageous. Understanding these dynamics helps clinical and counseling psychologists in TN maximize their earning potential in a shifting market.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Memphis in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for clinical and counseling psychologists in Memphis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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