Chattanooga vs Knoxville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,156▲ | $40,812 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.27▲ | $19.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,516▲ | $34,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,616▲ | $38,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,851 | $46,239▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,727 | $50,270▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,060 | 2,550▲ |
Verdict
Chattanooga and Knoxville are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Knoxville is $1,344 (3.29%). Chattanooga's median is -12.10% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $11,211,Knoxville spans $15,651. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($46,090 effective) pays 4.54% more than Knoxville ($44,088 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,156/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,090)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,270)
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Chattanooga grew 29.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$31,040 (2019) → $40,160 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$31,770 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Chattanooga or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Knoxville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Chattanooga vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov