Jackson vs Memphis: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Jackson, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,133 | $41,211▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.81 | $19.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,764 | $38,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,653 | $39,679▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,528 | $47,216▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,457 | $49,378▲ |
| Total Employed | 420 | 3,350▲ |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Memphis is $2,078 (5.31%). Memphis's median is -14.07% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $15,693,Memphis spans $11,242. Jackson 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, Jackson ($45,758 effective) pays 2.35% more than Memphis ($44,708 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,758)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,211/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,378)
- ✓Larger job market (3,350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Jackson grew 23.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Jackson, TN
$30,300 (2019) → $37,280 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$33,200 (2019) → $39,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Jackson or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Memphis?
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What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Jackson vs Memphis?
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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