Nashville vs Chattanooga: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Nashville, TN and Chattanooga, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Chattanooga, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,838▲ | $42,156 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.52▲ | $20.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,430▲ | $37,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,245▲ | $39,616 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,945▲ | $45,851 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,448▲ | $48,727 |
| Total Employed | 6,340▲ | 2,060 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chattanooga.
The salary gap between Nashville and Chattanooga is $4,682 (11.11%). Nashville's median is -2.34% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $16,018,Chattanooga spans $11,211. Nashville 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, Nashville ($48,618 effective) pays 5.49% more than Chattanooga ($46,090 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,448)
- ✓Larger job market (6,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,618)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Nashville grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.4% growth in Chattanooga over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$33,780 (2019) → $44,620 (2025)
Chattanooga, TN
$31,040 (2019) → $40,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Chattanooga, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Nashville or Chattanooga?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Chattanooga?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Chattanooga as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Nashville vs Chattanooga?
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