Healthcare New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey

The median medical assistant salary in New Jersey is $45,924 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $38,270.

Median Salary
$45,924
vs National
+$7,654
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Medical Assistant Salary Overview in New Jersey (2026)

New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for medical assistant compensation. This places New Jersey in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for medical assistants seeking high pay. At $45,924 per year, medical assistants in New Jersey earn $7,654 more than the national median of $38,270.

It's worth noting that New Jersey's cost of living is 115% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $45,924 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $39,934.

The salary spread in New Jersey is significant: medical assistants at the 10th percentile earn $35,280, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $62,400 — a $27,120 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New Jersey for this role is Jersey City, where the median reaches $50,899.

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in New Jersey and beyond.

Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $57,600 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
+$6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,600
+$7,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$57,600
+$9,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $35,280
25th Percentile $39,840
Median (50th) $45,924
75th Percentile $53,760
90th Percentile $62,400

Medical Assistant Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for medical assistants in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in New Jersey

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Medical Assistant make in New Jersey? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in New Jersey is $45,924 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $62,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,924, a medical assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for medical assistants? ▼
New Jersey ranks #6 out of 50 states for medical assistant pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level medical assistants earn $36,000, while senior professionals earn $57,600.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for medical assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for medical assistants is Hawaii at $68,121. New Jersey's median of $45,924 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($49,368) and New York ($48,603).
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level medical assistant in New Jersey earns approximately $36,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $45,600. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $57,600.
What city in New Jersey pays medical assistants the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for medical assistants, with a median salary of $50,899. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.