You've probably seen the generic career guides. They tell you that being a neuropsychologist is a steady, high-paying gig. But if you're actually looking at the bank account of someone who just finished a two-year residency, the reality is a bit more... complicated.
Honestly, the question of how much do neuropsychologists make isn't a single number. It’s a moving target. As of January 2026, the national average for a neuropsychologist in the United States sits around $122,928. That sounds decent, right? But that average is a bit of a liar. It hides the fact that a fresh PhD might start at $70,000 in a rural hospital, while a seasoned expert in a private forensic practice could easily clear $300,000.
Money in this field is weird. It’s tied to things you wouldn't expect, like how many hours you spend in a courtroom or whether you’re working for a university versus a private medical group.
The Reality of the Paycheck
Most people think a doctor is a doctor. But neuropsychology is a hyper-specialized niche. You aren't just a psychologist; you're the person who figures out exactly why a brain isn't working after a stroke, a car accident, or years of cognitive decline. That expertise costs money—and it pays out differently depending on your "flavor" of practice.
According to 2026 data from ZipRecruiter, the typical range falls between $105,000 and $138,000 for the majority of practitioners.
But wait. If you look at high-end earners, the 90th percentile is hitting $175,500. Some specialized roles, like a Pediatric Medical Director with a neuropsychology background, are seeing numbers closer to $232,000.
Why the range is so wide
It basically comes down to three things:
- Setting: Are you in a "publish or perish" academic role or a "bill or vanish" private practice?
- Geography: It's the classic trade-off. New York pays more, but your rent in Brooklyn will eat that surplus for breakfast.
- The "Legal" Factor: Forensic neuropsychologists—the ones who testify in court about brain injuries—often make the most.
How Much Do Neuropsychologists Make Across Different States?
If you want to maximize your earnings, you might need a moving truck. It’s kinda wild how much a state border changes your take-home pay. In 2026, Washington and California are leading the pack, with average salaries often exceeding $135,000.
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In California, specifically in tech-heavy or affluent areas like Corte Madera or Berkeley, salaries can spike to $150,000 or more. Contrast that with Kentucky or West Virginia, where the average might hover closer to $106,000 or even $95,000.
States with the highest average pay in 2026:
- Washington: $139,228
- New York: $134,488
- Massachusetts: $134,253
- Oregon: $129,970
It's not just about the raw number, though. Nevada is often cited as a "top state" not just for the $125,000 average, but because the lack of state income tax makes that money feel a lot heavier in your pocket.
The Urban vs. Rural Divide
You’ve probably guessed it: cities pay better. A neuropsychologist in San Francisco is going to out-earn someone in rural Idaho almost every time. But don't sleep on Alaska. Because of the high demand and low supply of specialists, cities like Nome and Sitka are reporting salaries north of $150,000.
Experience is the Slow Burn
You don’t just walk out of a postdoc and start swimming in cash. The "Salary Survey" data (frequently updated by groups like the American Academy of Clinical Neuropsychology) shows a very clear ladder.
If you have less than a year of experience, you're looking at maybe $68,000 to $80,000. It feels low after ten years of school. It is low. But by the time you hit the 10-year mark, you’re likely crossing that $100,000 threshold.
The Career Trajectory:
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- Entry Level: $68,000 – $82,000
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): $88,000 – $105,000
- Senior (20+ years): $113,000 – $140,000+
Board certification (ABPP) is the real "cheat code" here. While it’s a grueling process, being board-certified can add a significant premium to your salary, especially in hospital settings where it might be a requirement for certain leadership tiers.
The Hidden Variables: Private Practice vs. Hospitals
This is where the math gets messy.
In a hospital or academic medical center, you get a "clean" salary. You have health insurance, a 401k, and maybe even some student loan repayment help. But your ceiling is often capped by the institution’s budget.
Private practice is a different beast. You are essentially a small business owner. You have to pay for your own office, your own testing materials (which are ridiculously expensive), and your own malpractice insurance.
However, your "hourly" rate can be much higher. While a hospital might "pay" you $60 an hour, a private practitioner might charge $250 to $500 per hour for an evaluation. Once you pay your overhead, the profit margin can be significantly higher than a standard salary—if you can keep your referral pipeline full.
Forensic Work: The Real Money Maker
If you want to know how much do neuropsychologists make at the very top of the food chain, look at forensics. These experts work with attorneys to determine the extent of brain damage in personal injury cases or criminal trials.
It is high-stress. You will be grilled by lawyers. But the compensation is often double or triple what you’d make in a purely clinical setting.
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Is the Doctorate Worth It?
Let's be real for a second. To become a neuropsychologist, you’re looking at:
- 4 years of undergrad.
- 5-7 years for a PhD or PsyD.
- 1 year of clinical internship.
- 2 years of specialized postdoc residency.
That is a lot of time not making money. If you take out $150,000 in student loans, a $120,000 salary feels a lot more like $80,000.
But there’s a silver lining. Because the population is aging and survival rates for brain injuries are improving, the demand is skyrocketing. This isn't a career that’s going to be replaced by AI anytime soon. You can't just "prompt" a complex neurocognitive exam for a patient with early-onset Alzheimer's.
Actionable Steps to Boost Your Earning Potential
If you're already in the field or currently in grad school, don't just wait for a cost-of-living raise. You have leverage.
- Get Board Certified: It is the single best way to prove your value to employers and can lead to immediate salary bumps in institutional settings.
- Learn the Business Side: If you’re in private practice, learn about CPT codes and insurance reimbursement rates. Small tweaks in how you bill can add thousands to your annual revenue.
- Diversify: Don't just do clinical evals. Offer consultation for schools, legal firms, or even tech companies developing brain-health apps.
- Relocate Strategically: Look at states like Nevada or Washington where the combination of high pay and favorable tax laws maximizes your "real" income.
- Negotiate Your Postdoc: Many residents think their stipend is fixed. Often, it isn't. If you’re bringing a specific skill (like being bilingual), use that to negotiate a higher starting rate.
The path to a high salary in neuropsychology isn't just about being smart; it's about being strategic with where and how you apply that brainpower.
Keep a close eye on the 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics updates, as the ongoing shift toward integrated primary care is expected to create new, higher-paying roles for neuropsychologists who can work alongside medical teams. Your expertise in brain-behavior relationships is a premium commodity—make sure you're charging accordingly.