In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Tennessee might not seem like an obvious frontrunner for medical assisting at first glance. But several factors explain why it ranks highly for becoming a medical assistant:
Cost of living:
Tennessee has a relatively low cost of living and while salaries for medical assistants aren’t the highest in the nation, the wages go farther there. That makes it attractive for people starting in allied health fields.
Growing healthcare industry:
Tennessee—particularly cities like Nashville and Memphis—has a large and growing healthcare sector. Nashville is even nicknamed the “Silicon Valley of Health Care” because of the concentration of healthcare companies headquartered there. This growth creates consistent demand for medical assistants.
No state income tax:
Tennessee doesn’t tax wages, so take-home pay is higher than in some states with similar salaries. That’s another economic incentive for choosing it as a career location.
Rural and underserved area need:
Like many Southern states, Tennessee has a significant rural population. There’s a strong demand for medical support staff in these communities. The state has made efforts to expand healthcare access, boosting job stability for roles like medical assistants.
Job outlook and mobility:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected faster-than-average growth for medical assistants nationwide—and Tennessee reflects that trend. The state’s healthcare infrastructure, combined with an aging population, sustains high demand.
Overview: Medical assistants in Tennessee
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 19,940 medical assistants in Tennessee, making it the 14th highest state for employment. The median hourly wage is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade at the national level is 12.5%.
Here are five of the top employers for medical assistants in Tennessee, known for their extensive healthcare networks and significant presence in the state:
- HCA Healthcare–Nashville:
- HCA Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare providers in the U.S., headquartered in Nashville. The company operates numerous hospitals and clinics across Tennessee, offering a wide range of opportunities for medical assistants. HCA has been recognized for its commitment to ethical practices and substantial investments in community health initiatives.
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center–Nashville:
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center is a leading academic medical institution renowned for its research and patient care. It provides medical assistants with opportunities to work in various specialties and participate in cutting-edge healthcare delivery.
- Covenant Health–East Tennessee:
- Covenant Health is East Tennessee’s top-performing healthcare network and the area’s largest employer. With multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities, it offers diverse roles for medical assistants in both urban and rural settings.
- CHI Memorial Hospital–Chattanooga:
- Part of the Catholic Health Initiatives system, CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga is known for its comprehensive services and community-focused care. Medical assistants here can engage in various clinical settings, contributing to patient-centered healthcare.
- University of Tennessee Medical Center–Knoxville:
- As a major academic medical center, the University of Tennessee Medical Center offers medical assistants access to a wide range of medical specialties and the opportunity to be part of a teaching hospital environment.
Tennessee medical assistant salary stats
Medical assistants earned a median salary of $44,200 at the national level in 2024, said the BLS, though actual pay can vary significantly based on factors such as location of workplace, years of experience, earned professional certifications and level of education attained.
Median salary for medical assistants in Tennessee
The median salary for medical assistants in Tennessee is approximately $38,150 per year, which places the state below the national average. Compared to other states, Tennessee falls in the lower-middle range for medical assistant pay. While states like California, Washington and Massachusetts offer higher median wages—often above $45,000—Tennessee’s compensation is balanced by a much lower cost of living and no state income tax, allowing take-home pay to stretch further. As a result, while the raw salary figure may seem modest, the overall economic value of working as a medical assistant in Tennessee remains competitive—especially when paired with strong job demand and accessible training programs. Here are salaries at the statewide level and for highest paying metro areas in Tennessee:
Medical Assistants
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 may 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 MAs in Tennessee
Within the state of Tennessee, medical assistants can expect to earn anywhere between $32,180 and $48,080 annually. This salary range encompasses entry-level positions all the way up to management roles, and takes into account factors such as employment status (self-employed vs. company employee, full time vs. part time), professional credentials pursued, education level and length of time in the position.
Employment by metro area
Your earning level and where you are able to find work may depend upon where you live within Tennessee. Understandably, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas, and have more open positions due to a higher number of major healthcare facilities. Here are the top three metro areas for employment and a look at the healthcare market in the metro area:
| Tennessee metro area | Healthcare market |
|---|---|
| Nashville metro area | As a major healthcare hub, Nashville hosts a concentration of hospitals, clinics and medical research facilities. Major employers like HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center contribute to a strong job market for medical assistants. The city’s dynamic growth in healthcare and technology sectors continues to drive demand for medical support staff. |
| Memphis metro area | Home to prominent institutions such as Baptist Memorial Health Care and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis offers diverse opportunities for medical assistants. The city’s healthcare landscape is characterized by a mix of large hospitals and community clinics, providing varied clinical environments for professionals in the field. |
| Knoxville metro area | With a strong network of healthcare providers, including the University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville presents a stable employment environment for medical assistants. The city’s emphasis on expanding healthcare services ensures ongoing opportunities in both urban and surrounding rural areas. |
Overall, Tennessee’s healthcare market is experiencing significant growth, driven by an aging population, healthcare infrastructure expansion and a favorable business climate. Here’s what the BLS reported as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S. As you can see, Tennessee cities don’t rank in the BLS’ top 10, but that doesn’t negate the fact that the state has a thriving healthcare industry with plenty of opportunity—especially noted by the BLS’ overall state ranking at #14 for highest employment of medical assistants.
Tennessee job outlook and growth
With a job growth rate of 12.5% nationally through 2034, Tennessee holds even more promise for medical assistants. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, reported that Tennessee should enjoy a 23% job growth rate through 2030, much higher than the national average, and the state will employ an additional 2,960 medical assistants during that same timeframe.
Factors that impact medical assistant pay
Several key factors influence what you might be paid as a medical assistant in Tennessee. Here are the primary ones, including a couple with relevance to the state’s economic environment:
Location with Tennessee:
Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville may offer higher wages due to more healthcare infrastructure, higher patient volume and competition among employers. In rural areas, while cost of living is lower, wages are generally more modest—but demand may be higher due to workforce shortages.
Employer type:
Large hospital systems, such as HCA Healthcare or Vanderbilt University Medical Center, often offer higher pay, better benefits and advancement opportunities compared to smaller private practices or urgent care clinics. Academic medical centers and specialty clinics may also pay more for skilled or certified assistants.
Certification and experience:
While Tennessee doesn’t legally require certification, employers may prefer or require it—and certified medical assistants may also earn more than non-certified counterparts. Years of experience, specialized skills, such as phlebotomy or EHR management, and having bilingual abilities may also bump up pay.
Tennessee’s economic environment:
The state’s lower cost of living means that even slightly below-average salaries can go further compared to high-cost states. Also, ongoing healthcare sector growth, especially in Nashville, drives strong job stability and occasionally may warrant signing bonuses or wage competition in high-demand regions.
Why is Tennessee a good state to be a medical assistant?
The most exceptional reason to work as a medical assistant in Tennessee is the state’s unmatched combination of high healthcare job demand and low cost of entry—driven by its booming healthcare industry.
Tennessee, and specifically Nashville, is home to over 500 healthcare companies, including the headquarters of HCA Healthcare, one of the largest hospital corporations in the U.S. This unique concentration of healthcare infrastructure creates constant demand for support staff such as medical assistants, often with less competition and lower living costs than in traditional healthcare hubs like California, New York or Massachusetts. This rare mix makes Tennessee an exceptional—and often underrated—place to launch a career as a medical assistant.
Tennessee education path
Tennessee has a high number of accredited medical assisting programs, both in community colleges and private vocational schools. Plus, the state has supported workforce development, often subsidizing or promoting healthcare education paths through programs such as Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect.
Tennessee offers a clear and accessible path to becoming a medical assistant, even though state law doesn’t mandate certification or licensure. Pursuing formal education and certification can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. Here’s how you can navigate this career path in Tennessee:
Meet basic entry requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Pass a background check (requirements may vary by program or employer)
Choose an accredited medical assistant education program
- While Tennessee doesn’t require certification, many employers prefer or mandate it. Completing an accredited program is essential for eligibility to sit for certification exams. Accrediting bodies include the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP and the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
Notable programs in Tennessee include:
- Tennessee Professional Training Institute (TNPTI): Offers a 4-week intensive program preparing students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam
- University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC): Provides an 18-week Clinical Medical Assistant Academy combining classroom instruction with hands-on training
- Columbia State Community College: Features a program with 140 hours of classroom instruction and a 160-hour clinical externship, preparing students for the CCMA exam
Earn your professional credential
After completing your education, pursuing certification may enhance your employment opportunities. These certifications typically require passing an exam and may have prerequisites such as graduation from an accredited program. Recognized certifications include:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): Offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT)
Gain practical experience
- Many programs incorporate externships or clinical rotations into the syllabus, providing hands-on experience in real healthcare settings. This practical training is invaluable for building skills.
State salary guides for medical assistants
Trying to figure out where to begin or further your medical assistant career? Salary may be a consideration when choosing where to practice your allied healthcare career, so doing your research is important. Here are salary guides for some popular states:
Cost of living in Tennessee
Tennessee offers a notably affordable cost of living compared to the national average. According to the World Population Review, Tennessee’s overall Cost of Living Index stands at 90.5, meaning it’s approximately 9.5% below the U.S. average of 100. This affordability is particularly evident in housing, which has an index of 83.2, indicating that housing costs are about 16.8% lower than the national average.
Other essential expenses, such as transportation and healthcare, also fall below national averages, with indices of 89.1 and 88.6, respectively. For medical assistants and other healthcare professionals, this means that while wages might be slightly lower than in some other states, the overall cost-effectiveness of living in Tennessee can result in a comparable or even improved standard of living.
Tennessee medical assistant associations
Tennessee hosts a professional organization for medical assistants called the Tennessee Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA). As a constituent society of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), TSMA supports medical assistants across the state through education, advocacy and professional development. The organization aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and professionalism required by employers and patients, protect medical assistants’ right to practice and promote effective healthcare delivery through use of Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs).
TSMA is comprised of several local chapters in the state, including those in Chattanooga, Cherokee and Northeast Tennessee, providing members with networking opportunities, continuing education and updates on state-specific regulations.