Surgical Assistants Salary in Tennessee

Surgical assistants in Tennessee earn the most in Nashville (average $87,360 a year) and the least in Kingsport ($66,190), across the 4 Tennessee metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the surgical assistants average at $82,720 and the median at $81,640 for 750 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $72,710.

Surgical Assistants average salary by city in Tennessee

Nashville$87,360
Memphis$83,350
Chattanooga$81,770
Kingsport$66,190

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Nashville	$87,360	$87,080	$80,830	$70,288	96
Memphis	$83,350	$80,740	$77,650	$67,467	92
Chattanooga	$81,770	$77,570	$62,390	$66,355	91
Kingsport	$66,190	$65,260	$60,070	$55,364	86

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; Tennessee has no state income tax. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Surgical Assistants salary in other states

Surgical Assistants salary by city and state

More about pay in Tennessee

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 29-9093.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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