Average Medical Assistants Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Medical Assistants in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,480. This figure falls 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 nonmetropolitan West Tennessee directly influences compensation levels for this vital healthcare position.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,110.
- Outlook: The Medical Assistant job market in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas is characterized by a local workforce of 490 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the concentration of Medical Assistants is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations in the region. The presence of 4.078 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these professionals within the local healthcare infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Medical Assistants in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-20.4%below the national average.
$17.1
$682
$2,957
Medical Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for West Tennessee nonmetropolitan Medical Assistants is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic recovery and increased healthcare needs typically drive modest annual increases in compensation for allied health professionals, suggesting that Medical Assistants in this region have likely seen their earnings rise incrementally.
Medical Assistants Salary Distribution in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Medical Assistants in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas typically involves salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and advanced skills can command higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries signifies the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proficiency in the role.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $28,470 | $13.7 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $26,610 | $12.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $35,470 | $17.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $44,350 | $21.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $44,110 | $21.2 |
Detailed Medical Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $35,480 for Medical Assistants in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the take-home pay is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, as the cost of goods and services in the region is not higher than the national benchmark.
Job Market Context
490
Total Jobs
4.078
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.79x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.79, the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area exhibits a slightly lower concentration of Medical Assistants compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market for Medical Assistants is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce; rather, it represents a steady demand that aligns with the region's overall employment profile. While not a high-concentration area, the consistent number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicates ongoing opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Medical Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Medical Assistants Salary | $42,500↑ 20% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Medical Assistants Salary | $37,690↑ 6% | 67 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $36,280↑ 2% | 73 mi |
| Decatur, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $35,520↑ 0% | 83 mi |
| Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL Medical Assistants Salary | $34,340↓ 3% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Medical Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Medical Assistants make in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Medical Assistants in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $35,480. This typically ranges from $28,470 for entry-level positions to $44,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 20.4% lower than the national median of $44,590.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Medical Assistants?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to national averages.The average salary of $35,480 is significantly lower than the national average of $44,590. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Medical Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($42,500) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does the Cost of Living affect the Medical Assistant salary in West Tennessee?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means that despite the lower average salary of $35,480, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average, making the salary's real value comparable.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for Medical Assistants in West Tennessee?
A Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that Medical Assistants are slightly less concentrated in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas compared to the national average. This suggests a stable job market without excessive competition, but also not an area with exceptionally high demand.
How many Medical Assistants are there in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas?
There are approximately 490 Medical Assistants employed in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area, representing 4.078 jobs per 1,000 workers in the region.
Can Medical Assistants expect salary increases with experience in West Tennessee?
Yes, typically Medical Assistants can expect their salaries to increase with experience, moving from entry-level to more senior roles. This progression is reflected in the salary distribution, where higher percentiles represent greater earning potential for experienced professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.078 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Medical Assistants Salaries by State
Top Jobs in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Medical Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area