How to Become a Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Tennessee
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants in Tennessee earn a median salary of $38,630/year, which is 13% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants takes home approximately $1,345/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a medical secretaries and administrative assistants can afford in Tennessee
Becoming a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Tennessee
Meet education requirements
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many medical secretaries and administrative assistants positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification
Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical secretaries and administrative assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Tennessee
Tennessee employs 31,780 medical secretaries and administrative assistants. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Memphis.
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary by metro area in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $44K | $21.29/hr | 10,070 |
| Memphis | $39K | $18.86/hr | 4,900 |
| Cleveland | $38K | $18.12/hr | 440 |
| Chattanooga | $37K | $18/hr | 2,770 |
| Knoxville | $37K | $17.92/hr | 4,370 |
| Jackson | $37K | $17.81/hr | 1,030 |
| Clarksville | $37K | $17.77/hr | 880 |
| Johnson City | $37K | $17.77/hr | 1,030 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $36K | $17.42/hr | 1,280 |
| Morristown | $36K | $17.32/hr | 450 |
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants salary range in Tennessee
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a medical secretaries and administrative assistants make in Tennessee?▼
The median medical secretaries and administrative assistants salary in Tennessee is $38,630 per year ($18.57/hr). This is 13% below the national median of $44,640. Salaries range from $30,170 to $54,550.
What are the requirements to become a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Tennessee?▼
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a medical secretaries and administrative assistants afford to live in Tennessee?▼
At the median salary of $38,630, a medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Tennessee would take home approximately $2,757/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 51.2% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Tennessee?▼
The highest paying metro areas for medical secretaries and administrative assistants in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($44,290), Memphis ($39,220), Cleveland ($37,690). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Tennessee have state income tax for medical secretaries and administrative assistants?▼
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means medical secretaries and administrative assistants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.