Average Medical Assistants Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earn an average annual salary of $40,910, which is slightly below the national average of $44,590. This localized pay is influenced by a variety of regional economic factors, including the specific demand for healthcare services and the overall cost of doing business within the Chattanooga metropolitan area. The concentration of these roles also plays a part in wage determination.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $40,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $56,130.
- Outlook: The Chattanooga, TN-GA area supports a robust workforce of 2,250 Medical Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.62, this indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a strong and established demand within the local healthcare sector. The presence of 8.359 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active job market for Medical Assistants in this region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-8.3%below the national average.
$19.7
$787
$3,409
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Medical Assistant salaries in Chattanooga have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increasing healthcare demands, and evolving skill requirements likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these vital healthcare professionals.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is closely tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or specialized skills can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight the career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with gaining expertise in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $31,450 | $15.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $30,683 | $14.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $38,510 | $18.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $51,138 | $24.6 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $56,130 | $27 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$40,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $40,910 for Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective, assuming no significant changes in personal spending habits.
Job Market Context
2,250
Total Jobs
8.359
Per 1K Jobs
1.62
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 1.6x the national concentration of Medical Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.62 for Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA signifies a job market that is 62% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive environment where the demand for these professionals is notably higher than in many other regions, offering ample opportunities for those seeking employment in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland, TN Medical Assistants Salary | $37,270↓ 9% | 23 mi |
| Dalton, GA Medical Assistants Salary | $36,710↓ 10% | 26 mi |
| Rome, GA Medical Assistants Salary | $37,280↓ 9% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,280↓ 11% | 83 mi |
| Gadsden, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $32,660↓ 20% | 85 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $40,910. This typically ranges from $31,450 for entry-level positions to $56,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 8.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the concentration of jobs is higher, the average salary of $40,910 is below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Cleveland, TN ($37,270) and Dalton, GA.
How does Chattanooga's Medical Assistant salary compare to the national average?
Medical Assistants in Chattanooga earn an average of $40,910 annually, which is approximately $3,680 less than the national average of $44,590.
What is the concentration of Medical Assistants in Chattanooga?
Chattanooga has a higher concentration of Medical Assistants than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.62.
How does the cost of living in Chattanooga affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chattanooga's cost of living is exactly at the national average, meaning the $40,910 salary has standard purchasing power.
Are there many Medical Assistant jobs in Chattanooga?
Yes, with 8.359 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 2,250, the job market for Medical Assistants in Chattanooga is substantial.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,250 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 8.359 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA