Medical Assistant salary in Knoxville, TN
Medical Assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $38,880 a year ($18.69 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,550 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,890 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $45,690. Pay here is 2% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $39,570. There are 6.0 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $40,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for medical assistants in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,980 | $15.85 |
| 25th percentile | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| Median | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| 75th percentile | $44,050 | $21.18 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,890 | $23.02 |
| Average (mean) | $40,580 | $19.51 |
Half of medical assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,240 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,620 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,495.38 |
| Weekly | $747.69 |
| Hourly | $18.69 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,880 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Medical Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $44,620 | 6,340 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $40,160 | 2,060 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $39,260 | 3,350 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $38,040 | 690 |
| Johnson City, TN | $37,740 | 760 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $37,390 | 670 |
| Jackson, TN | $37,280 | 420 |
| Cleveland, TN | $37,170 | 230 |
| Morristown, TN | $36,760 | 240 |
Highest-paying states for medical assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $59,290 |
| Alaska | $52,560 |
| District of Columbia | $51,050 |
| Minnesota | $50,480 |
| Oregon | $50,410 |
| California | $49,660 |
| Massachusetts | $49,460 |
| Wisconsin | $48,680 |
| Hawaii | $48,410 |
| Colorado | $48,400 |
See Medical Assistant pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,250 | $22.24 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,120 | $22.66 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,260 | $20.80 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,710 | $15.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $60,280 | $28.98 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,200 | $14.52 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-9092. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical assistant make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for medical assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $38,880 a year, or $18.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,890 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid medical assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of medical assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $47,890 a year. The top 25% earn $44,050 or more.
What is the starting pay for medical assistants in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,980 a year, and a quarter of medical assistants earn $37,050 or less.
How many medical assistants work in Knoxville, TN?
About 2,550 medical assistants are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.