Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee and How to increase it

By | July 5, 2023
Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee
Cities that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Tennessee include Nashville, Hendersonville, and Franklin.

The medical assistant salary in Tennessee is $38,740 yearly.

Nashville, Hendersonville, and Franklin are the cities that offer the highest pay to medical assistants in Tennessee, while the best paying companies are Kaiser Permanente, CHOC Children’s, and Sutter Health

This article also delves into employee benefits, salaries in related professions, and strategies to enhance one’s earnings as a medical assistant in Tennessee.

Medical Assistant Salary across Tennessee Cities

Here is salary information for medical assistants across cities in Tennessee:

 CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Nashville-Davidson$16.89$39,316  
2.Memphis$15.91$37,053
3.Knoxville$16.35$38,078
4.Chattanooga$16.55$38,529
5.Clinton$17.03$39,651
6.Murfreesboro$16.25$37,824
7.Franklin$17.86$41,589
8.Jackson$15.21$35,408
9.Johnson City$14.11$$32,854  
10.Bartlett$13.74$31,981
11.Hendersonville$18.39$42,826
12.Kingsport$16.42$$38,235
13.Smyrna$17.21$40,075
14.Collierville$16.22$37,760
15.Nashville$18.53$43,150
16.Brentwood$17.59$40,950
17.Spring Hill$17.73$41,287
18.Gallatin$16.67$38,823
19.Columbia$16.93$39,418
20.Germantown$15.84$36,873
21.Mount Juliet$17.64$41,080
22.La Vergne$14.82$34,511
23.Lebanon$17.83$41,506
24..Cookeville$14.41$33,556
25.Morristown$14.28$$33,242
26.Maryville$14.09$32,801
27.Oak Ridge$16.61$38,677
28.Bristol$14.01$32,608  
29.Farragut$16.98$39,522
30.Shelbyville$16.60$38,638
Salaries of medical assistants across cities in Tennessee

Cities with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

Here are top 10 paying cities for medical assistants in Tennessee:

 CitySalary HourlySalary Yearly
1.Nashville$18.53$43,150
2.Hendersonville$18.39$42,826
3.Franklin$17.86$41,589
4.Lebanon$17.83$41,506
5.Spring Hill$17.73$41,287
6.Mount Juliet$17.64$41,080
7.Brentwood$17.59$40,950
8.Smyrna$17.21$40,075
9.Clinton$17.03$39,651
10.Farragut$16.98$39,522
Cities that pa the highest salaries to medical assistants in Tennessee

Skill-based Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

When it comes to determining a medical assistant’s final compensation, certain skills hold immense importance. Here are major ones:

  • Dissection; +37.07%
  • Clinical Trials; +12.33%
  • Family Planning; +47.19%
  • Epic; +9.16%
  • Data Collection; +7.55%.

Experience-based Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

The level of experience a medical assistant in Tennessee holds can impact their salary.

Individuals with less than one year of experience usually earn around $36,221 per year, while those with 10 or more years can anticipate an annual income of approximately $45,677.

10 Companies with Highest Medical Assistant Salary in Tennessee

Here are top 10 paying companies for medical assistants in Tennessee:

 CompanyHourly SalaryAnnual Salary
1.Kaiser Permanente$26.82$62,450
2.CHOC Children’s$26.24$61,097
3.Sutter Health$25.78$60,024
4.Virginia Mason Franciscan Health$25.00$58,211
5.Berman Skin Institute$24.70$57,515
6.Western Washington Medical Group$24.04$55,976
7.Community Health Care$23.64$55,042
8.Family Health Centers of San Diego$22.87$53,252
9.Scripps Health$22.72$52,888
10.Totalwellness$22.35$52,040
Companies that pay the highest salaries to medical assistants in Tennessee

10 Highest Paying Medical Assistant Jobs in Tennessee

Some of the top paying medical assistant jobs in Tennessee include:

  1. Medical assistant instructor; $43,335
  2. Dermatology medical assistant; $35,587
  3. Cardiology medical assistant; $32,759
  4. Medical assistant back office; $35,549
  5. Obgyn medical assistant; $34,195
  6. Medical assistant intern; $32,778
  7. Certified medical assistant; $39,399
  8. Medical office assistant; $36,776
  9. Senior medical assistant; $43,217
  10. Medical administrative assistant; $37,693.

More Benefits for Medical Assistants in Tennessee

Here are several employee benefits that medical assistants in Tennessee may enjoy:

  1. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)

Medical assistants in Tennessee may have access to HSAs, which allow them to set aside pre-tax dollars to cover medical expenses.

2. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Employers in Tennessee may offer FSAs, enabling medical assistants to set aside pre-tax funds to cover eligible healthcare expenses.

3. Professional Memberships

Employers in Tennessee might cover or subsidize the cost of professional memberships for medical assistants, allowing them to stay connected and engaged in their field.

4. Tuition Reimbursement

Some employers in Tennessee may offer tuition reimbursement programs, assisting medical assistants in furthering their education and career advancement.

5. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Tennessee employers may provide EAPs, offering confidential counseling services, mental health support, and resources for personal and professional challenges.

What Related Job Titles to Medical Assistant Earn in Tennessee

Let’s examine the salaries of occupations closely related to medical assisting in Tennessee:

  • Patient Care Technician; $45,384
  • Medical Scribe; $32,415
  • Care Coordinator; $37,376
  • Medical Receptionist; $34,603.

Medical Assistant Job and Salary Outlook in Tennessee

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an extremely positive job outlook for medical assistants in Tennessee, projecting a remarkable growth rate of 30.43%.

In 2016, 14,460 individuals were employed in this field, and it is forecasted to reach 18,860 by 2026.

Moreover, approximately 2,190 job openings are anticipated each year.

How to increase your Pay as a Medical Assistant in Tennessee

Consider these approaches to boost your earning potential as a medical assistant in Tennessee:

  1. Obtain Advanced Certifications

Pursue advanced certifications, such as Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), to demonstrate your expertise and increase your earning potential as a medical assistant in Tennessee.

2. Seek Employment in Specialty Clinics

Explore opportunities to work in specialized clinics or practices, such as dermatology or orthopedics, which often offer higher salaries due to the specialized nature of the work.

3. Expand Your Skill Set:

Learn additional skills or techniques, such as phlebotomy or medical coding that can make you more versatile and valuable as a medical assistant, potentially leading to higher pay in Tennessee.

4. Network and Build Professional Connections

Connect with professionals in the healthcare field in Tennessee through networking events or online platforms, which can lead to job opportunities and potential salary advancements.

5. Stay Updated with Regulatory Changes

Stay informed about changes in healthcare regulations and compliance requirements in Tennessee.

Having up-to-date knowledge can make you a valuable asset to employers and potentially result in higher pay.

More Career Opportunities for Medical Assistants in Tennessee

Here are additional career opportunities medical assistants can explore in Tennessee:

  1. Medical Transcriptionist

Consider working as a medical transcriptionist, converting healthcare provider dictations into written reports.

This role requires strong listening and typing skills, as well as knowledge of medical terminology and documentation guidelines.

2. Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

Explore a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Tennessee, focusing on accurately coding medical procedures and diagnoses for insurance reimbursement.

This role requires knowledge of coding systems, insurance guidelines, and billing procedures.

3. Healthcare IT Support Specialist

Consider a role as a healthcare IT support specialist, providing technical assistance and support for healthcare organizations’ technology systems in Tennessee.

This position involves troubleshooting hardware and software issues, implementing security measures, and training staff on technology usage.

4. Telehealth Coordinator

With the increasing popularity of telehealth services, consider a role as a telehealth coordinator, facilitating virtual appointments and managing remote patient care.

This position involves coordinating schedules, providing technical support to patients and healthcare providers, and ensuring smooth telehealth operations in Tennessee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, medical assistants in Tennessee can take several steps to enhance their salary potential.

Acquiring additional certifications, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), can demonstrate expertise and dedication, potentially resulting in higher pay.

Seeking employment in larger healthcare facilities or specialized clinics can also lead to better salary prospects.

Furthermore, gaining experience in high-demand areas, such as primary care or pediatrics, can make you a desirable candidate for employers, potentially resulting in increased compensation.

Information sources: salary.com, indeed.com, and bls.gov.