Medical Assistant salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Medical Assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $39,260 a year ($18.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 3,350 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,040 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $45,690. Pay here is 1% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $39,570. There are 5.5 medical assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $41,410, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for medical assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,330 | $17.47 |
| 25th percentile | $37,800 | $18.17 |
| Median | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| 75th percentile | $44,980 | $21.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,040 | $22.61 |
| Average (mean) | $41,410 | $19.91 |
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 | $3,271.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,635.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,510 |
| Weekly | $755 |
| Hourly | $18.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $39,260 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 |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,880 | 2,550 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $38,400 | 1,270 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $38,110 | 1,660 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $38,040 | 690 |
| Johnson City, TN | $37,740 | 760 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $37,390 | 670 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $37,380 | 430 |
| Jackson, TN | $37,280 | 420 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $37,190 | 220 |
| Cleveland, TN | $37,170 | 230 |
| Morristown, TN | $36,760 | 240 |
| Hot Springs, AR | $36,600 | 260 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $36,160 | 230 |
| Jackson, MS | $36,020 | 840 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $35,950 | 290 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $35,590 | 480 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | $48,200 | $23.17 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,480 | $21.87 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,720 | $14.29 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $52,440 | $25.21 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,900 | $14.86 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,010 | $18.27 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,560 | $29.60 |
| Orderly | $32,140 | $15.45 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,010 | $30.77 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $32,780 | $15.76 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for medical assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $39,260 a year, or $18.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,330 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,040 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid medical assistants make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of medical assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $47,040 a year. The top 25% earn $44,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for medical assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,330 a year, and a quarter of medical assistants earn $37,800 or less.
How many medical assistants work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 3,350 medical assistants are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.