Senior Medical Assistant Salary in Memphis, TN: $49,378 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical assistants working in Memphis, TN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $49,378/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-9092. Strip back Memphis's price premium (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $53,568 in average-cost America. The 20% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced medical assistants in Memphis, TN, can anticipate an impressive earning potential, with top-tier salaries reaching up to $49,378 for the 90th percentile. This figure highlights the significant experience premium available in this market, where the median annual salary stands at $41,211. When compared to the national top earners, Memphis's leading pay for medical assistants remains lower, nonetheless, there remains a substantial gap of over $8,000 between the median and top-tier salaries. Achieving such high compensation typically requires not only years of service—beyond seven years—but also a combination of advanced credentials, specialized skills, and possibly leadership roles within healthcare facilities.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
Experienced medical assistants at the top of the pay scale in Memphis earn between $47,216 and $49,378 per year (2026 est.). This $11,242 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Memphis median of $41,211 sits 14.07% below the US median.
Top MA, CMA Salary Comparison
| Level | Memphis | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $41,211 | $47,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,216 | $51,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $49,378 | $62,258 |
In Memphis, experienced medical assistants (P90) earn 19.82% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Assistant Pay in Memphis
Advanced Certifications in Tennessee
TN medical assistants with additional specialty certifications within the medical assisting field earn significantly above the $41,211 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Memphis employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical assisting field in Memphis command premium compensation, often reaching the $47,216–$49,378 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Memphis metro area, which is a large MA, CMA employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced medical assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical assistants in Memphis 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 Memphis
Clinical Medical Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Assistant
5-10 yearsMedical Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMemphis ranks #15 of 30 Tennessee cities for top earner medical assistant salary (90th percentile: $49,378).
Top 10% medical assistant compensation in Memphis ($49,378) is 3.42% below the Tennessee average P90 ($51,128).
2019 BLS Actual
$42,800
2025 BLS Actual
$47,040
2026 Current Est.
$49,378
2019–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,800 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,950 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,378 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,832 | Projected |
Top-earning medical assistants (90th percentile) in Memphis saw their compensation grow 9.9% from $42,800 in 2019 to $47,040 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 $51,832 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Medical Assistant Earnings in Memphis
Specializations can significantly enhance senior medical assistant pay in Memphis, with roles like phlebotomy or EKG technicians, dermatology medical assistants, and those cross-trained in OB-GYN or pediatrics often commanding higher salaries. Differences in earnings can also be seen based on the type of employer; for instance, specialty practices such as cardiology or dermatology generally offer more competitive compensation compared to primary care clinics. As professionals progress, paths to advancement may lead to positions such as lead medical assistant or clinical operations supervisor, further increasing earning potential. Pursuing advanced credentials, including certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, can also play a key role in maximizing pay. Additionally, non-salary compensation factors, including bilingual skills and specialty alignment, can further influence total compensation packages in this evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical assistants make in Memphis in 2026?
What drives higher medical assistant pay in Memphis?
What certifications boost medical assistant salary in Memphis?
Can experienced medical assistants make six figures in Memphis?
How much does medical assistant salary increase over time in Memphis?
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 $47,040 for medical assistants in the Memphis 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