Franklin vs Knoxville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Franklin, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,274▲ | $40,812 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.24▲ | $19.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,639▲ | $34,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,461▲ | $38,891 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,157▲ | $46,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,071▲ | $50,270 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 2,550▲ |
Verdict
Franklin, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Franklin and Knoxville is $5,462 (13.38%). Franklin's median is -3.52% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $22,432,Knoxville spans $15,651. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Franklin ($50,407 effective) pays 14.33% 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 Franklin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,274/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,071)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,407)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓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 Franklin grew 32.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Franklin, TN
$33,221 (2024) → $44,083 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$31,770 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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