Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Jackson, TN: $47,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Jackson, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,457/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Jackson's price premium (BEA RPP 85.5, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $55,491 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jackson, Tennessee, senior medical assistants positioned at the top of their field can expect substantial compensation, with projected earnings reaching up to $47,457 in 2026. This figure highlights a significant gap from the median annual salary of $39,133, illustrating the value placed on experience and specialized skill sets in the region's healthcare market. Compared to the national top earner potential at $47,961, Jackson's top salaries reflect a competitive landscape for experienced professionals, particularly when looking to advance within their careers. Achieving such salaries often requires dedicated experience, advanced certifications, and possibly a specialization in high-demand areas.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Jackson earn between $44,528 and $47,457 per year (2026 est.). This $15,693 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Jackson median of $39,133 sits 18.41% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Jackson | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $39,133 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,528 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,457 | $62,258 |
In Jackson, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 21.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Jackson
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $39,133 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Jackson employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Jackson command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,528–$47,457 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Jackson metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Jackson with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Assistants in Tennessee who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Jackson
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedJackson ranks #24 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $47,457).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Jackson ($47,457) is 7.18% below the Tennessee average P90 ($51,128).
2019 BLS Actual
$40,500
2025 BLS Actual
$45,210
2026 Current Est.
$47,457
2019–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,500 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,140 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,816 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Jackson saw their compensation grow 11.6% from $40,500 in 2019 to $45,210 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.97% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $49,816 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Jackson
Specialization can be a key driver of salary advancement for seasoned medical assistants in Jackson, especially in roles like phlebotomy and EKG cross-training, dermatology, and pediatric medical assistance. Compensation can vary widely across employer types; for instance, positions in specialty practices such as cardiology or dermatology often offer higher pay than roles in primary care settings. Furthermore, opportunities for career advancement abound, with pathways leading to positions like clinical operations supervisor or practice manager. Earning advanced credentials such as CMA (AAMA) or CCMA (NHA) can further boost one's qualifications and salary. Additionally, non-salary compensation, including shift differentials for urgent care locations and bilingual premiums, adds further appeal to this career path for experienced medical assistants keen to maximize their earnings and professional growth in TN.
More salary data for Jackson, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Jackson in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Jackson?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Jackson?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Jackson?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Jackson?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $45,210 for medical assistants in the Jackson metro area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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