Knoxville vs Smyrna: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,812▲ | $40,202 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.62▲ | $19.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,619▲ | $31,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,891▲ | $33,465 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,239▲ | $43,638 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,270 | $50,826▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,550▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $610 (1.52%). 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 Knoxville spans $15,651,Smyrna spans $19,216. Smyrna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($44,088 effective) pays 0.67% more than Smyrna ($43,793 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,812/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,088)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,826)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Knoxville grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$31,770 (2019) → $38,880 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$34,332 (2024) → $38,299 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
Related Comparisons
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