Physician Assistant Salary in TennesseeNo State Income Tax
Physician Assistants in Tennessee earn an average of $117,582 per year across 2 metro areas. This is +9.6% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$117,582
per year
Hourly Rate
$56.53
per hour
vs National
-9.6%
$130,020 national
Salary Range
$78,438
to $172,663
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$117,582
Cost of Living Index
93
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$126,432
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Tennessee's cost of living (below average), a Physician Assistant's salary of $117,582 has the purchasing power of $126,432 in an average-cost area. Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax, further increasing take-home pay.
Physician Assistant Salary by City in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $122,490 | $58.89/hr | $82,240 | $175,487 | 149 |
| Memphis, TN | $112,674 | $54.17/hr | $74,635 | $169,838 | 134 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Tennessee vs National Average
Physician Assistant Salary Comparison
Employment in Tennessee
There are approximately 283 Physician Assistants employed across 2 metro areas in Tennessee.
Key Industries: Healthcare, Automotive, Music & Entertainment
State Income Tax: None (tax-free state)
Physician Assistant Salary Range in Tennessee
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$78,438
Starting salary for new Physician Assistants
Median (50th Percentile)
$117,582
Mid-career Physician Assistant salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$172,663
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Tennessee
Nurse Practitioner
$118,823
avg in TN
+$1,241 vs Physician Assistant
Registered Nurse
$87,682
avg in TN
-$29,900 vs Physician Assistant
Dental Hygienist
$83,156
avg in TN
-$34,426 vs Physician Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
$54,597
avg in TN
-$62,985 vs Physician Assistant
Nursing Assistant
$34,705
avg in TN
-$82,877 vs Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Physician Assistant salaries in Tennessee with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Physician Assistant Data
More Tennessee Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee?
The average Physician Assistant salary in Tennessee is $117,582 per year ($56.53/hour) based on 2026 data across 2 metro areas. This is 9.6% below the national average of $130,020.
What is the highest paying city for Physician Assistants in Tennessee?
Nashville, TN is the highest paying city for Physician Assistants in Tennessee, with a median salary of $122,490 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Memphis, TN at $112,674.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in Tennessee?
Physician Assistant salaries in Tennessee range from $78,438 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $172,663 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $117,582 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Tennessee. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.