Neuropsychologist Salary 2026
Neuropsychologists earn an estimated median of $120,000 to $130,000 per year. Private practice specialists with board certification regularly exceed $160,000. Updated April 2026.
$120-130K
Estimated Median Annual
$110-145K
Hospital-Based Range
$140-200K
Private Practice Range
ABPP-CN
Board Certification
Neuropsychologist Salary by Setting
| Setting | Typical Annual Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Private Practice (established) | $150,000 - $220,000+ | Full caseload; $400-600/hr assessment rates; high overhead |
| Private Practice (building) | $100,000 - $150,000 | Building referral network; typically 2-4 years to full caseload |
| Academic Medical Center | $120,000 - $160,000 | Research component; teaching; strong prestige |
| Large Hospital System | $110,000 - $145,000 | Inpatient and outpatient assessments; neurology team |
| VA Medical Center | $100,000 - $135,000 | PSLF eligible; strong TBI and dementia caseload |
| Pediatric Neuropsychology | $110,000 - $160,000 | Children's hospitals; high demand specialty |
The Neuropsychology Training Path (Houston Conference Standards)
1
Doctoral Degree (5-7 years)
PhD in clinical or counseling psychology with neuropsychology coursework and practica. Doctoral internship with neuropsychology rotation.
2
2-Year Postdoctoral Fellowship
Neuropsychology-specific fellowship at a hospital, rehabilitation center or university. This is mandatory per Houston Conference guidelines.
3
Licensure
State psychology licensure after accumulating required supervised hours and passing EPPP.
4
Board Certification (ABPP-CN)
Optional but increasingly expected. Written exam + oral examination by the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. Requires 1,000 hours of neuropsychology-specific practice post-fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do neuropsychologists make?
Neuropsychologists earn an estimated median of $120,000 to $130,000 per year. The BLS does not report a separate code for neuropsychology, but the broader 'All Other Psychologists' category (which includes many neuropsychologists) has a BLS median of $117,580. Private practice neuropsychologists with established referral networks can earn $150,000 to $200,000. Hospital-based and academic positions typically range from $110,000 to $145,000.
Does board certification increase a neuropsychologist's salary?
Yes, meaningfully. Board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology (ABPP-CN) is increasingly required for hospital positions and insurance panel credentialing. Certified neuropsychologists typically earn 10 to 25 percent more than non-certified peers with similar experience. The board certification process requires a doctoral degree, licensure, a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship and passing written and oral examinations from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology.
What is the difference between a neuropsychologist and a neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats neurological diseases using medical interventions, medications and procedures. A neuropsychologist is a doctoral-level psychologist who assesses cognitive, emotional and behavioral functioning using psychological tests to understand how brain injuries or conditions affect daily functioning. Neuropsychologists do not prescribe medication. The two professions frequently collaborate in hospital settings.
How long does it take to become a neuropsychologist?
The Houston Conference guidelines (the professional standard) require: a doctoral degree in psychology (5-7 years post-bachelor's), a 2-year postdoctoral fellowship specifically in neuropsychology, and then licensure. Board certification (ABPP-CN) typically comes 2 to 5 years after fellowship completion. Total training time from bachelor's to board certification is typically 11 to 14 years, making neuropsychology one of the longest training paths in professional psychology.