Nashville vs Memphis: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Nashville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Memphis, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,838▲ | $41,211 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.52▲ | $19.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,430▲ | $38,136 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,245▲ | $39,679 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,945▲ | $47,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,448▲ | $49,378 |
| Total Employed | 6,340▲ | 3,350 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Nashville and Memphis is $5,627 (13.65%). 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,Memphis spans $11,242. 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 8.75% 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 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 Memphis 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 18.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$33,780 (2019) → $44,620 (2025)
Memphis, TN
$33,200 (2019) → $39,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Nashville or Memphis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Memphis?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Memphis as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Nashville vs Memphis?
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