Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Based on 19K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$39,570
$19.02/hr
vs National Average
$44,603
-11.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $49K
19K employed in Tennessee
The median Medical Assistant salary in Tennessee is $39,570 per year, or $19 per hour. This figure is 11.3% lower than the national average, with a typical salary range between $34,840 and $48,540 annually. Approximately 19,180 Medical Assistants are currently employed in the state.
Several factors influence the Medical Assistant salary in Tennessee. These can include the specific geographic location within the state, the size and type of healthcare facility, the individual's years of experience, and any specialized certifications they hold. Higher cost-of-living areas or larger hospitals may offer compensation at the upper end of the $34,840 to $48,540 range.
Salary Distribution — Medical Assistant in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,840 |
| 25th percentile | $37,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $39,570 |
| 75th percentile | $45,580 |
| 90th percentile | $48,540 |
Top-Paying Industries for Medical Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Medical Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Medical Assistants in Tennessee tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $48,870 | 260 |
| Educational Services | $48,660 | 10K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $48,120 | 7K |
| Finance and Insurance | $48,090 | 530 |
| Information | $46,400 | — |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Medical Assistant in Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,757 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $39,570 | $44,603 |
| 2026 (projected) | $40,757 | $45,941 |
Medical Assistant Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $39,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $45,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $48,540 |
Medical Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Medical Assistant Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Medical Assistant ($39,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Medical Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +1441.8% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +843.9% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +796.1% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +735.5% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +486.9% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +473.2% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +444.1% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +443.0% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +436.9% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +434.4% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +345.3% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +239.1% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Medical Assistant in Tennessee?
- The median Medical Assistant salary in Tennessee is $39,570 per year. This means that half of Medical Assistants earn more than this amount, and half earn less, with the typical range falling between $34,840 and $48,540 annually.
How does the Medical Assistant salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- The Medical Assistant salary in Tennessee is approximately 11.3% lower than the national average. While the median in Tennessee is $39,570 per year, the national median is higher, reflecting regional economic differences.
What is the salary range for Medical Assistants in Tennessee?
- For Medical Assistants in Tennessee, the salary typically ranges from $34,840 to $48,540 per year. This means that most professionals in this role will find their earnings falling within these boundaries, with the median at $39,570.
How many Medical Assistants are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 19,180 Medical Assistants employed in Tennessee. This indicates a significant demand for these healthcare professionals across the state, with salaries generally in the $34,840 to $48,540 range.