Average Medical Assistants Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Medical Assistants in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $36,610. This figure is notably below the national average of $44,590, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to this nonmetropolitan setting. The pay scale in this area is influenced by the local economic structure and the concentration of healthcare facilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $45,690.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 570 Medical Assistants, the job market in South Central Tennessee presents a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, employment landscape. The Location Quotient of 0.99 indicates that the concentration of Medical Assistants is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-17.9%below the national average.
$17.6
$704
$3,051
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Medical Assistant salaries in South Central Tennessee have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and the evolving scope of practice for medical assistants.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Medical Assistants in South Central Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, potentially reaching the 75th or 90th percentile. These percentile gaps highlight the career advancement opportunities available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $30,140 | $14.5 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $27,458 | $13.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,760 | $17.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $45,763 | $22 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $45,690 | $22 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,610
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $36,610 in South Central Tennessee aligns directly 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 income is equivalent to the national average, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
570
Total Jobs
5.075
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.99x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.99 for Medical Assistants in South Central Tennessee suggests that the job market is neither significantly over- nor under-saturated compared to the national average. This indicates a steady level of demand for these professionals, with employment opportunities likely consistent with the size of the local healthcare sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Medical Assistants Salary | $42,500↑ 16% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Medical Assistants Salary | $37,690↑ 3% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,280↓ 1% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $35,520↓ 3% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $34,340↓ 6% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $36,610. This typically ranges from $30,140 for entry-level positions to $45,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 17.9% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place for Medical Assistants.The average salary of $36,610 is significantly lower than the national average, despite the cost of living being at the national average. This indicates less competitive compensation for the role in this region.
Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($42,500) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the local workforce size affect Medical Assistant jobs?
A local workforce of 570 Medical Assistants suggests a moderate-sized employment pool. This number, combined with the Location Quotient, indicates a stable job market where demand is met by the available professionals.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient being 0.99?
A Location Quotient of 0.99 means the concentration of Medical Assistants in South Central Tennessee is very close to the national average. This implies the job market is neither exceptionally competitive nor scarce for this profession.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are average. Therefore, the $36,610 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning the lower nominal wage is offset by lower (or average) living costs.
Are there many job openings for Medical Assistants in this area?
The data suggests a balanced market. With 5.075 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient near 1.0, job openings are likely consistent with the regional healthcare demand, neither exceptionally high nor low.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 570 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.075 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 South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area