Columbia vs Knoxville: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,760 | $40,812▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63 | $19.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,375 | $34,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,990 | $38,891▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,143 | $46,239▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,065 | $50,270▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 2,550▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $2,052 (5.29%). Knoxville's median is -14.91% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $19,690,Knoxville spans $15,651. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($44,088 effective) pays 4.42% more than Columbia ($42,222 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,812/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,270)
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,088)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Columbia grew 11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$33,101 (2024) → $36,925 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$31,770 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Columbia or Knoxville?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Columbia vs Knoxville?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov