Medical Assistant Career Guide: Franklin, Tennessee

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out the healthcare job market in Middle Tennessee, I can tell you Franklin is a unique beast. It’s not Nashville—it’s got its own distinct rhythm, a booming suburban economy, and a healthcare scene that’s both deeply connected to the city and fiercely local. If you’re a Medical Assistant (MA) considering a move here, you need more than just general salary stats; you need the ground-level intel on who’s hiring, where to live, and whether your paycheck will actually cover life in one of Tennessee’s most desirable—and expensive—suburbs.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at the real data.

The Salary Picture: Where Franklin Stands

First, let’s talk numbers. The data tells a clear story: Franklin pays well for a Tennessee city, but it’s part of a tight regional market.

Median Salary: $37,971/year
Hourly Rate: $18.26/hour
National Average: $38,270/year

Franklin’s median salary is virtually identical to the national average, which is a strong sign. It means you’re not taking a pay cut to live here compared to the rest of the country. However, in the context of Tennessee, Franklin is on the higher end of the scale, especially for a non-metro city. The jobs in metro figure of 177 indicates a stable, but not massive, job market. You’re not competing with thousands of applicants like in Nashville, but you also don’t have hundreds of openings at your fingertips at any given moment.

The 10-year job growth projection of 15% is particularly promising. This outpaces the national average for MAs (which is around 16%, per the BLS), suggesting Franklin’s healthcare sector is expanding robustly, driven by its growing, aging population and the influx of corporate HQs bringing employees with healthcare needs.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a good starting point, your actual earnings will vary significantly with experience. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Franklin market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Considerations
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$32,000 - $36,000	Often starts at large practices or hospital-affiliated clinics. Focus is on basic vitals, phlebotomy, and EHR navigation.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$37,000 - $41,000	You’ll be handling more complex procedures, possibly training new MAs, and may have specialty-specific skills (e.g., dermatology, orthopedics). This is where the median $37,971 sits.
Senior/Expert	8+ years	$42,000 - $48,000+	This tier is for lead MAs, those in high-demand specialties (cardiology, oncology), or those with certifications like RMA or CCMA. Private practices and specialty clinics are your best bet here.

Insider Tip: The salary band for senior MAs in Franklin can creep higher, especially in private practice. I’ve seen lead MAs in orthopedics or neurology groups pull in over $50,000 with bonuses. It’s niche, but it’s there.

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities

Franklin’s position is clear when you stack it against its neighbors:

City	Median MA Salary (Est.)	Key Market Drivers
Franklin	$37,971	Suburban corporate growth, aging affluent population, standalone specialty clinics.
Nashville	$36,500	Massive volume, high competition, a mix of large hospital systems and small practices. The national average is $38,270.
Murfreesboro	$35,200	Growing college town, strong regional hospital presence, lower cost of living.
Chattanooga	$34,800	Slightly lower salaries but a very stable job market with major employers like Erlanger.

Franklin pays slightly more than Nashville, which is counter-intuitive until you consider the cost of living and the type of employer (more private practice, less high-volume hospital systems that can standardize pay).

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Here’s where the rubber meets the road. A salary of $37,971 sounds decent, but you must factor in Franklin’s cost of living.

City Context:

• Average 1BR Rent: $1,442/month
• Cost of Living Index: 97.4 (US avg = 100)
• Metro Population: 88,558

Franklin’s COL index is slightly below the national average, but rent is the killer. Your take-home pay after taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, TN has no state income tax) will be roughly $2,400/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an MA Earning $37,971

Let’s build a realistic monthly budget.

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,164	$37,971 / 12
Take-Home Pay	$2,400	After federal taxes, FICA, etc. (TN has no state income tax).
Rent (1BR)	$1,442	The city-wide average.
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$300	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Franklin has poor public transit; a car is a necessity.
Gas/Commuting	$120	Commuting to Nashville or within Franklin.
Health Insurance	$150	If not covered by employer (high-deductible plan).
Entertainment/Personal	$150	Restaurants, streaming, etc.
Savings/Emergency Fund	$0	This is the critical issue.

The Verdict on Rent: After essential expenses, you are left with virtually nothing. The $1,442 rent consumes 60% of your take-home pay. To live comfortably, you need a roommate or a partner with an income. A two-bedroom apartment split two ways brings rent down to ~$720/person, which dramatically changes the math.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Short answer: Not on a single MA salary. The median home price in Franklin is over $500,000. Even with a 20% down payment ($100,000), a mortgage would be around $2,200/month (including taxes and insurance), which is nearly your entire take-home pay. Homeownership in Franklin is a long-term goal that requires dual incomes or significant career advancement into a higher-paying healthcare role.

Where the Jobs Are: Franklin's Major Employers

Franklin’s job market is a mix of large hospital systems, private practices, and specialty clinics. Here’s who’s consistently hiring.

1. HCA Healthcare (TriStar Health) - TriStar Centennial Medical Center (Nashville) & TriStar Williamson Medical Center (Franklin): The giant of Middle Tennessee healthcare. Williamson Medical, located right in Franklin, is a major employer for MAs in family medicine, surgery, and the ER. Hiring is steady, and they offer good benefits. Trend: They’re expanding their outpatient clinics, which means more MA positions in primary care.

2. Ascension Saint Thomas: Another major player. Their Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville is a short commute, and they have numerous outpatient clinics in Franklin and Cool Springs. They heavily use MAs in their orthopedic and cardiovascular clinics. Trend: Aggressive growth in specialty care, so MAs with orthopedic or cardiology experience are in high demand.

3. Vanderbilt Health: While the main campus is in Nashville, Vanderbilt has a significant presence in Franklin, including the Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks clinic (just north of Franklin) and various specialty clinics. They are known for higher pay and more stringent hiring. Trend: They are expanding their integrated practice model, which values MAs who can handle more patient education and scheduling tasks.

4. Private Practice & Specialty Groups (Cool Springs & Downtown Franklin): This is where the money and job satisfaction can be higher. Top groups include Franklin Dermatology Group, Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (multiple locations), and CaroMont Health (though based in NC, they have a strong presence in the area). These practices often pay at the higher end of the scale ($40k+) and offer a more intimate work environment. Trend: These groups are constantly hiring due to high patient volume and lower turnover.

5. Community Health Systems (Williamson Medical Center - WMC): As the local community hospital, WMC is a hub for jobs in inpatient care, the ER, and outpatient services. It’s a great place to start for a well-rounded skillset. Trend: WMC is focusing on community-based care, meaning more roles in chronic disease management clinics (diabetes, cardiology).

6. Local Urgent Care Chains: Companies like American Family Care and CareSpot have multiple locations in the Franklin area. These are fast-paced, excellent for gaining broad experience in acute care, and often offer flexible schedules. Trend: The urgent care model is booming in suburban areas, leading to consistent openings.

Insider Tip: Don’t just check hospital websites. Many of the best-paying MA jobs in Franklin are posted on local job boards like The Tennessean’s classifieds or the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce job board. Network on LinkedIn with MAs already working at TriStar Williamson or Vanderbilt Health clinics.

Getting Licensed in Tennessee

Tennessee does not require MAs to be licensed by the state. However, certification is highly recommended and often required by employers. The most common certifications are from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) for the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) for the RMA (Registered Medical Assistant).

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Education: Complete an accredited Medical Assisting program (typically 1-2 years). Franklin has several options, including Miller-Motte Technical College in Nashville (a short commute) and Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Franklin, which offers a Medical Assisting program. A 2-year associate’s degree is often preferred by hospitals.
2. Certification Exam: After graduation, you must pass the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) exam. This requires a separate application and fee.
3. Costs:
   • Accredited Program Tuition: $10,000 - $15,000 (varies by school).
   • CMA Exam Fee (AAMA): $120 - $250 (member/non-member).
   • RMA Exam Fee (AMT): $120 (non-member).
   • Total Estimated Startup Cost: $10,120 - $15,250

Timeline: From starting a program to being certified and job-ready is typically 18-24 months. Some employers will hire un-certified MAs but will require you to obtain certification within a year of hire.

Insider Tip: If you’re relocating, get your certification before you move. Franklin employers have a clear preference for certified MAs, and it puts you ahead of local graduates.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Choosing where to live is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are four top picks for an MA.

1. Cool Springs: The corporate and retail hub of Franklin. It’s where many of the largest medical clinics are located (near TriStar Williamson and Ascension clinics).

   • Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,800/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major clinics. Very car-dependent.
   • Vibe: Modern, convenience-focused, chain restaurants. Best for young professionals who want a short commute.

2. Downtown Franklin: Historic, charming, and walkable. Home to many boutique practices and smaller clinics. Commuting to Cool Springs takes 10-20 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,700/month for a 1BR (often older buildings or apartments over shops).
   • Commute: Easy access to I-65 for trips to Nashville.
   • Vibe: Community feel, farmers' markets, local shops. Ideal for someone who values character and community over sheer convenience.

3. Nolensville: A rapidly growing suburb south of Franklin. It’s more affordable but has a longer commute to Cool Springs or Nashville.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Franklin, 40+ to Nashville.
   • Vibe: Family-oriented, new subdivisions, good schools. Best for MAs with families or those seeking more space for their money.

4. Leiper’s Fork: A rural, upscale community west of Franklin. Very limited rental options, but it’s a hidden gem if you can find a place (often a shared house or in-law suite).

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month (if you find a rental).
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to Franklin clinics.
   • Vibe: Country, artistic, quiet. Perfect for someone who wants a peaceful home life and doesn’t mind a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: For a single MA, Cool Springs or Downtown Franklin are your best bets for minimizing commute and maximizing job access. If you have a roommate, the financial equation opens up significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Franklin is an excellent place to build a long-term MA career, but you need to be strategic.

Specialty Premiums: Moving from primary care to a specialty can bump your salary by $3,000 - $7,000. The highest premiums are in:

• Orthopedics/Sports Medicine: Requires knowledge of bracing, casting, and pre/post-op care.
• Cardiology/Electrophysiology: Involves EKGs, stress tests, and managing complex patient med lists.
• Dermatology: High volume, requires proficiency with biopsies and cosmetic procedures.
• Oncology: Demanding but offers significant pay increases due to the complexity of care.

Advancement Paths:

1. Lead MA/Office Manager: After 5+ years, you can move into a leadership role, overseeing other MAs and clinic operations. This can push your salary to $50,000+.
2. Specialized Certifications: Beyond the CMA/RMA, pursue certifications in phlebotomy, EKG technology, or electronic health records (EHR) management. Vanderbilt and HCA value these.
3. Bridge to Nursing or PA: Franklin is a hub for higher education. If you’re working at Vanderbilt or HCA, you have access to tuition reimbursement programs to become an LPN, RN, or even a Physician Assistant. This is the most common long-term career pivot.

10-Year Outlook: With 15% job growth and the continued expansion of specialty clinics in Cool Springs and the Nashville metro area, the demand for skilled MAs will remain strong. The key will be specialization. Generalist MAs will have jobs, but specialists will command higher salaries and better job security.

The Verdict: Is Franklin Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Growth (15%) in a stable, affluent community.	High Rent ($1,442/month) makes living alone difficult on a median salary.
Higher-Than-Average Pay for Tennessee, with specialty premiums available.	Car-Dependent lifestyle. Commutes can be long if you live in cheaper suburbs.
Diverse Employer Base (large systems, private practices, urgent care).	Competitive Housing Market – buying a home is out of reach for most MAs alone.
High Quality of Life with great schools, low crime, and a vibrant downtown.	Limited Public Transit – you must budget for a car, insurance, and gas.
Proximity to Nashville for entertainment and additional career opportunities.	Cost of Living has a hidden bite in groceries, dining out, and entertainment.

Final Recommendation: Franklin is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is either early in their career and willing to have a roommate, or a mid-to-senior level MA looking to specialize and increase their income. It’s not the place for a new graduate to expect to live comfortably solo on a starting salary. If you can secure a role in a specialty clinic, have a partner or roommate to share costs, or are willing to live in a more distant, affordable suburb like Nolensville, Franklin offers a fantastic blend of career opportunity and high quality of life. The job market is growing, the pay is fair, and the career path is clear if you’re willing to specialize.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth getting certified before moving to Franklin?
A: Absolutely. While TN doesn’t require licensure, the vast majority of employers in Franklin (especially HCA, Ascension,