Medical Assistant Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a medical assistant make in Tennessee? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $38,150/yr ($18.34/hr), with around 19,940 people working in this field statewide.
Medical Assistant salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $4,883. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for medical assistants.
Tennessee Medical Assistant Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee Medical Assistant Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $38,150.
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience — Tennessee
Medical Assistant Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataMedical Assistant salaries in Tennessee have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's healthcare and physician offices.
Medical Assistant Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $42,350 | $20.36 | +11.0% | 6,979 |
| Memphis | $40,450 | $19.45 | +6.0% | 5,583 |
| Knoxville | $39,300 | $18.89 | +3.0% | 3,589 |
| Chattanooga | $36,600 | $17.60 | -4.1% | 1,794 |
| Clarksville | $34,700 | $16.68 | -9.0% | 1,196 |
| Murfreesboro | $33,200 | $15.96 | -13.0% | 797 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest medical assistant salaries in Tennessee at $42,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for medical assistants.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Medical Assistant Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for medical assistants in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Tennessee keep demand strong for medical assistants.
How to Earn More as a Medical Assistant in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a medical assistant in Tennessee typically adds $31,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Medical Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays medical assistants $42,350/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Medical Assistants who specialise in healthcare and physician offices typically command premium rates in Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays medical assistants $38,750/yr — 1.6% vs Tennessee.
Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current medical assistant job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Medical Assistant jobs — Nashville, TN→