Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $19.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Memphis, TN runs $19.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,211 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,720 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, the medical assistant hourly pay is projected to be $19.81 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $23.06. This disparity can impact part-time and per-diem workers operating in various healthcare settings, including primary care exam rooms and specialty practices. For example, a medical assistant working three days a week could earn around $1,900 monthly, depending on their hours, while entry-level positions might attract lower rates, starting at approximately $18.34. Conversely, top earners could reach up to $23.73 per hour. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, reflects the ongoing employment landscape and the competitiveness within the field in Memphis, TN.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.34 | $146.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.07 | $152.58 |
| Median (P50) | $19.81 | $158.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.69 | $181.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.73 | $189.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $19.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.81/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $41,200 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,769. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $792.31 | $3,433 | $41,200 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $475.39 | $2,060 | $24,720 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $316.93 | $1,373 | $16,480 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Memphis) | $19.81 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Memphis, TN earn a median of $41,211 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 3.60% above the Tennessee state average of $39,779.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.81/hr = $24,720/year (purchasing power: $26,818).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,200/year (purchasing power: $44,696).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $16.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Memphis grew 18.2% from $15.96/hr (2019) to $18.87/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.79/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Memphis
When exploring the earning potential of medical assistants in Memphis, part-time workers can easily find themselves in a different financial situation compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, engaging in part-time roles may result in an annual income of approximately $22,920 at 24 hours per week, a stark contrast to the income from full-time positions. Per-diem medical assistants often bill between $20 and $30 per hour, with rates in specialty practices, such as dermatology and plastics, reaching $25-$38 per hour. Additionally, urgent care facilities may offer added stipends for longer shifts. Employers, including primary care physician offices and corporate clinics, can influence wage variations; some may provide benefits that justify accepting lower hourly pay. Negotiating for better terms in this competitive market can be advantageous, and those with specialized certifications might find it more feasible to secure higher rates in Memphis.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical assistants in Memphis in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Memphis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov