Medical Assisting Education & Careers
By: My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Updated: February 10, 2026
Medical assistant salaries in Tennessee
Medical assistants play a pivotal role in Tennessee’s healthcare delivery, serving as a bridge between patients and medical professionals. They perform administrative tasks, handle patient records and provide direct support to physicians, contributing significantly to the efficient functioning of medical practices.
This article delves into the salary landscape for medical assistants in the state, providing insights into median salaries, key employers, factors influencing compensation, educational requirements, cost of living considerations and the economic stability of this essential healthcare profession.
Overview of MA pay in TN
There are roughly 18,640 people employed as medical assistants in Tennessee says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Tennessee include:
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Nashville, TN. As a renowned healthcare institution, VUMC offers numerous opportunities for medical assistants, providing exposure to various medical specialties.
- HCA Healthcare: Several locations in Chattanooga and Nashville, TN. Operating several hospitals and healthcare facilities in Tennessee, HCA Healthcare is a major employer, offering diverse roles for medical assistants.
- Community Health Systems (CHS): Franklin, TN. CHS manages multiple hospitals in Tennessee, creating ample employment opportunities for medical assistants across different locations.
- Baptist Memorial Health Care: Memphis, TN. With a network of hospitals and clinics throughout the southeast, Baptist Memorial Health Care is a key player in the healthcare sector, employing medical assistants to support their operations.
- Erlanger Health System: Chattanooga, TN. Serving the Chattanooga region, Erlanger Health System is a significant employer of medical assistants, providing opportunities for career growth.
How much do medical assistants make in Tennessee?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $44,200 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what medical assisting certifications you have earned and your relevant level of education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in Tennessee
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Tennessee is $38,150. However, it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state. You should also consider the cost of living in the area, as salaries may vary based on whether you work in a major city or smaller town.
10%$32,180
25%$35,920
50%$38,150Median
75%$44,140
90%$48,080
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment19,940
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $41,500 | $35,350 | $50,340 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $38,510 | $31,450 | $56,130 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $38,360 | $34,060 | $46,950 |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,300 | $33,030 | $46,320 |
| Jackson, TN | $37,100 | $29,370 | $44,130 |
| Johnson City, TN | $36,900 | $30,710 | $44,430 |
| Cleveland, TN | $36,870 | $30,830 | $43,420 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $36,700 | $31,600 | $44,580 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $36,580 | $30,280 | $45,470 |
| Morristown, TN | $35,610 | $30,140 | $42,850 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for a medical assisting career in Tennessee
Medical assistants in Tennessee experience a diverse salary spectrum. Median salaries typically range from $32,180 to $48,080, with variations based on experience, location and the specific healthcare setting.
Pay by metro area within the state of Tennessee
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Memphis, Nashville or Chattanooga which have several high profile medical facilities, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, no cities in Tennessee make the top 10.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in Tennessee
Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in Tennessee, including experience, education, location (urban vs. rural) and the specific healthcare setting. Specialized certifications and proficiency in additional skills may also impact earning potential. Factors may include:
Experience:
The number of years of experience you have in the healthcare industry can significantly impact your earning potential. Entry-level professionals may start at a lower salary, while those with extensive experience and expertise can command higher salaries.
Education and professional certifications:
The level of education you have achieved and any relevant certifications can contribute to your salary. Specialized certifications are especially important in the medical assisting field and may result in higher earning potential.
Industry and company size:
The industry you work in and the size of the company can affect salary ranges. Certain healthcare industries may offer higher compensation, and larger hospitals often have more resources to provide competitive salaries than smaller clinics.
Geographic location and cost of living:
Salaries can vary significantly depending on the location within Tennessee. Urban areas and regions with higher costs of living typically offer higher salaries to compensate for the increased expenses. It’s essential to consider the cost of living when assessing salary offers and opportunities.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Tennessee?
To gauge if you are being paid fairly in Tennessee, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for medical assistants in the state. Additionally, networking with peers and professionals in the field can provide insights into prevailing salary benchmarks.
Tennessee enforces federal fair wage laws and enacted the Equal Pay Act in 1963 to ensure pay parity regardless of gender for doing the same job. The state enforces six labor laws in all, and if you feel you have exhausted your resources after speaking to your HR department or manager, you may consider reaching out to The Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Education and training for medical assisting in TN
While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement, many medical assistants in Tennessee pursue formal education programs, such as a diploma, certificate or associate degree in medical assisting.
Obtaining certification, such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, may enhance job prospects and potentially lead to higher salaries.
Cost of living considerations for TN
Medical assistants in Tennessee should consider the cost of living, which is generally lower than the national average. This factor contributes to a favorable economic environment for professionals in the state, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle.
Assessing the cost of living helps you gauge how salaries align with local expenses and make more informed decisions about job opportunities or potential relocation.
RentCafe says that Tennessee’s cost of living is 11% lower than the national average, and housing is 19% lower. Plus, all of the state’s major cities also have a lower cost of living than the national average. Take a look:
| Tennessee City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Chattanooga | 7% lower |
| Nashville | 2% lower |
| Murfreesboro | 9% lower |
| Clarksville | 7% lower |
| Springfield | 2% lower |
Tennessee professional associations and networking
These associations offer networking opportunities, professional development resources, and a supportive community for medical assistants in Tennessee.
- Tennessee Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA): The group’s stated goal is to enhance and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professionalism required by employers and patients; protect medical assistants’ right to practice; and promote effective, efficient health care delivery though optimal use of CMAs.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)–Tennessee Chapter: The AAMA provides medical assistant professionals with “education, certification, credential acknowledgment, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection and advocacy for quality patient-centered health care.”
Embarking on a career as a medical assistant in Tennessee not only involves contributing to the healthcare system but also offers a rewarding professional journey. With considerations ranging from salaries to professional associations, aspiring and current medical assistants can navigate their careers successfully, ensuring they are well-compensated and connected in this crucial healthcare role.
The medical assistant salary guide for Tennessee aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.