Skip to main content

Medical Assistant Salary in Memphis, TN β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Memphis's cost of living (index: 84). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Memphis β€” Key Numbers

$35,280
Median Salary
$30,206
25th Percentile
$41,639
75th Percentile
$48,586
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-16.0%
Memphis median household income$50,200
vs. City household income-29.7%

Cost of Living in Memphis

Cost of Living Index
84(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$908/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio30.9%
Annual rent cost$10,896
Median Home Price$195,000
Home Price / Salary5.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$39,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Memphis

5.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,360,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
35.4
Median Age

Memphis has a metro population of 1,360,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 5.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Memphis, TN?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Memphis is $35,280 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Memphis's cost of living index (84). The typical salary range runs from $30,206 (25th percentile) to $41,639 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $48,586.

Is Memphis affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $35,280 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Memphis would spend approximately 30.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($908/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $195,000 is 5.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Medical Assistant's salary compare to Memphis's overall income?

Memphis's median household income is $50,200. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $35,280 earns 29.7% less than the typical Memphis household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Memphis has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.