Average Medical Assistants Salary in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Medical Assistants in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $36,860. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand for specialized healthcare roles compared to urban centers. The specific economic landscape of this region directly influences compensation levels for healthcare support staff.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $43,680.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 430 Medical Assistants, the job market in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas presents a modest employment base. The Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, suggesting that while opportunities exist, they are not as abundant as in more populous or medically focused regions. The rate of 3.023 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a stable but not rapidly expanding demand.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-17.3%below the national average.
$17.7
$709
$3,072
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan Medical Assistant salaries is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of modest salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increasing healthcare needs typically drive incremental increases in compensation for allied health professionals, even in nonmetropolitan settings, though likely at a slower pace than in major metropolitan areas.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall at the lower end of the pay scale, potentially around the 25th percentile. As professionals gain experience and acquire specialized skills, their earning potential increases, moving towards the 50th percentile for mid-career roles and potentially exceeding the 75th percentile for senior or lead Medical Assistants, signifying clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,470 | $14.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,645 | $13.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $37,380 | $18 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $46,075 | $22.2 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $43,680 | $21 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,860 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average due to the balanced cost of living. Residents can expect their income to cover essential expenses at a rate comparable to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
430
Total Jobs
3.023
Per 1K Jobs
0.59
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.59x the national average concentration of Medical Assistants jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.59 for Medical Assistants in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas signifies that this profession is underrepresented compared to the national average. This suggests a less competitive job market for employers seeking to fill these roles, potentially leading to longer hiring times or a need for more proactive recruitment strategies. For job seekers, it implies a market where their skills might be in steady demand, though the overall volume of opportunities remains lower.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Medical Assistants Salary | $42,500↑ 15% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Medical Assistants Salary | $37,690↑ 2% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,280↓ 2% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $35,520↓ 4% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $34,340↓ 7% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $36,860. This typically ranges from $30,470 for entry-level positions to $43,680 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 17.3% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Medical Assistants.The average salary of $36,860 is significantly below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal pay indicates less financial upside compared to other regions.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($42,500) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the number of Medical Assistants in East Tennessee compare nationally?
With a total local workforce of 430 and a Location Quotient of 0.59, Medical Assistants are less concentrated in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas than the national average.
What is the job outlook for Medical Assistants in this region?
The outlook is stable but not robust, with 3.023 jobs per 1,000 workers indicating consistent, albeit moderate, demand within the local healthcare sector.
Does experience significantly impact Medical Assistant salaries in East Tennessee?
Yes, experience is a key factor, with salary expectations increasing from entry-level to senior roles, reflected in the percentile gaps within the pay scale.
How does the Cost of Living affect the $36,860 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $36,860 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly cheaper nor more expensive.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 430 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.023 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area