Psychologist Salary in Nashville, TN: $87,037 (2026)

Psychologist Pay in Nashville: What to Expect (2026)

Nashville offers a median psychologist salary of $87,037, which is $9,387 above the Tennessee state average of $77,650. Compared to the national median of $85,330, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for psychologists in Nashville spans from $48,960 at the 10th percentile to $158,100 at the 90th percentile — a $109,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,040, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $147,900. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychologist Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level psychologist earns around $53,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,040

+$1,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$89,760

+$1,760 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$147,900

+$2,900 vs national

Percentile	Nashville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$48,960	$43,680	$48,000
25th Percentile	$65,280	$58,240	$64,000
Median (50th)	$87,037	$77,650	$85,330
75th Percentile	$117,300	$104,650	$115,000
90th Percentile	$158,100	$141,050	$155,000

Percentile

Nashville

10th Percentile

$48,960

25th Percentile

$65,280

Median (50th)

$87,037

75th Percentile

$117,300

90th Percentile

$158,100

How to Become a Psychologist in Nashville

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Nashville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Nashville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Nashville

How much does a Psychologist make in Nashville, TN? ▼

The median psychologist salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $87,037 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $48,960 (10th percentile) to $158,100 (90th percentile).

How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Nashville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $87,037, a psychologist in Nashville earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for psychologist pay? ▼

Nashville's median psychologist salary of $87,037 is 12.1% above the Tennessee state average of $77,650. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼

Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a psychologist salary of $87,037 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Nashville? ▼

Most psychologist positions in Nashville require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Psychologist Salary in Nashville, Tennessee