Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) salary in Nashville, TN (2026)
How much does a certified medical assistant (cma) make in Nashville, TN? Pay ranges, what influences compensation, and tips for applying.
Median ~$41k · Data as of March 2026
| Source | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
 Indeed | — | $20.36/hr |
 ZipRecruiter | $41,763 | $20.00/hr |
 Glassdoor | $41,042 | $20.00/hr |
Compensation snapshot
Combined from reported medians, percentile spreads, salary floors/ceilings, and hourly rates across aggregated market samples (sources not shown).
At a glance
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) supports clinicians by handling front-office and back-office duties, including patient intake, vital signs, and preparing patients for exams. They also perform basic clinical tasks (within training/scope) and help maintain accurate patient documentation in a healthcare setting.
What moves the number
- Certification Status: Holding a current CMA certification typically results in higher pay compared to non-certified medical assistants due to demonstrated validated skills.
- Experience Level: More years of experience, especially beyond 5 years, correlate with increased salaries as CMAs take on greater responsibilities and expertise.
- Work Setting and Specialty: CMAs working in specialized clinics like dermatology or oncology can earn more than those in general practice due to specialized knowledge demands.
- Geographic Location: CMAs employed in metropolitan areas such as Dallas or Austin tend to have higher salaries because of greater demand and cost of living adjustments.
Applying for this role
Make sure your application highlights your CMA certification and any experience with patient intake, vitals, and EMR documentation. Be ready to discuss availability for routine clinic duties and how you handle patient communication and confidentiality.