What Is the Average Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee?
Career Quiz
How Much Do Medical Assistants Earn in Tennessee Per Hour?
February 2026

How Much Do Medical Assistants Earn in Tennessee Per Hour?

Key Takeaways

  • Medical assistants earn a fair wage in Tennessee, with stable job growth.
  • Pay is based on certification and level, experience, and healthcare settings.
  • Salary levels go up as the degree of specialization and formal education.
  • Tennessee offers great entry opportunities at the health sector level.
  • Career training programs can help you to enhance long-term earning potential.

If you’re considering a career in healthcare, you may be asking, “how much do medical assistants make in Tennessee?” Medical assisting is one of the fastest-growing healthcare roles in the state, offering stable income, flexible work environments, and a clear path for career growth. Understanding salary expectations helps you decide whether this role fits your long-term goals.

What This Blog Covers

Medical assistants in Tennessee earn an average wage that reflects experience, certification, and workplace setting. Salaries typically range from entry-level hourly pay to higher earnings for certified and specialized roles. With proper training, medical assisting offers consistent income and long-term job security in the healthcare sector.

How Much Do Medical Assistants Make in Tennessee? 

So, how much do medical assistants in Tennessee make on average? Though salaries depend significantly on the city or employer, as you may know, healthcare workers in Tennessee make a very respectable income when compared with other entry-level positions in healthcare. Many professionals earn a living wage hourly, and the pay rises with experience, certification, or job function. Larger metropolitan areas and high-specialization healthcare settings often offer better remuneration.

Average Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

The medical assistant salary in Tennessee generally aligns closely with the national average, making it an attractive option for those entering healthcare.

Key salary factors include:

  • Years of experience
  • Type of healthcare setting
  • Level of certification
  • Within the city or region of Tennessee

Most assistants experience stable pay increases in the first few years of service.

Medical Assistant Salary TN Hourly

Most people in healthcare want to know how much an hourly salary is for a medical assistant in Tennessee. Hourly wages are relatively common and, in general, preferable for flexibility. Entry-level positions can be less rewarding in the beginning, but get paid more as they practice hands-on, become certified, and settle in specialties. The hours differ depending on whether you are in clinics, hospitals, and specialty offices.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants perform both clinical and administrative tasks, including:

  • Taking patient vital signs
  • Helping with exams and procedures
  • Managing medical records
  • Supporting doctors and nurses
  • Scheduling appointments

As these roles require, medical assistants are integral to day-to-day healthcare activities in Tennessee.

Factors That Affect Medical Assistant Pay in Tennessee

There are a few things that affect assistant compensation in Tennessee:

  • Certification: A certified medical assistant is paid more than an uncertified one.
  • Healthcare institutions: Hospitals and specialty clinics typically pay more than small offices.
  • Experience: Salary increases with tenure and skill developement.
  • Location: Metro areas such as Nashville and Murfreesboro might be better paid.

Certified vs Non-Certified Medical Assistants

One common question is which medical assistant gets paid the most? Certification plays a major role.

A certified medical assistant salary in Tennessee is often higher because certification signals formal education, competence, and commitment to the profession. Employers frequently prioritize certified candidates when hiring or promoting.

Medical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

The healthcare sector in Tennessee continues to expand, creating strong job prospects for medical assistants. Aging populations and increased access to healthcare drive ongoing demand.

Medical assistants benefit from:

  • High job stability
  • Flexible work environments
  • Opportunities for advancement

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Most employers prefer candidates with formal education from accredited medical assistant programs. Training typically includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

Completing a recognized program improves job readiness, earning potential, and long-term career growth.

Career Pathways & Advancement

A career as a medical assistant can lead to advancement opportunities such as:

  • Lead medical assistant roles
  • Specialized clinical positions
  • Transitioning into dental assisting, nursing, or healthcare administration

Many professionals use medical assisting as a stepping stone within healthcare.

FAQs

Q. How much do medical assistants make in Tennessee per hour?
A. Hourly pay varies by experience and location, with higher wages for certified assistants and those working in specialized healthcare settings.

Q. Is medical assisting a good career in Tennessee?
A. Yes. Strong job growth, stable income, and flexible work environments make it an attractive option.

Q. Do certified medical assistants earn more?
A. Yes. Certification often leads to better pay and more job opportunities.

Q. How long does it take to become a medical assistant?
A. Most programs can be completed in under one year, depending on the school and training format.

Healthcare careers are in high demand in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for Murfreesboro students. Localized training enables local students to develop contacts and transition to the labor market quicker by obtaining a foothold in an expanding regional healthcare sector.

If you’re exploring healthcare career options, you may also be interested in advancing your skills through hands-on training. Learn more about the Registered Dental Assistant Program in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and how focused education can open doors to stable, rewarding healthcare careers.

Schedule a Consultation

Conclusion

Understanding how much do medical assistants make in Tennessee helps you plan a realistic and rewarding career path. With strong job growth, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement, medical assisting remains a solid entry point into healthcare. With the right education and training, your earning potential and career options can continue to grow.