Healthcare Paterson, NJ Pop. 159,732

Medical Assistant Salary in Paterson, New Jersey

The median medical assistant salary in Paterson, NJ is $42,097 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 8.3% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$42,097
vs State Avg
$-3,827
vs National
+$3,827
Cost of Living
105%

Medical Assistant Pay in Paterson: What to Expect (2026)

Paterson offers a median medical assistant salary of $42,097, which is $3,827 below the New Jersey state average of $45,924. Compared to the national median of $38,270, Paterson pays above average for this role.

Paterson's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for medical assistants in Paterson spans from $32,340 at the 10th percentile to $57,200 at the 90th percentile — a $24,860 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,000, while senior medical assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $52,800. With a population of 159,732, Paterson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Medical Assistant Salary in Paterson by Experience

In Paterson, an entry-level medical assistant earns around $33,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $52,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,000
+$3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$41,800
+$3,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$52,800
+$4,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Paterson, NJ

Percentile Paterson
10th Percentile $32,340
25th Percentile $36,520
Median (50th) $42,097
75th Percentile $49,280
90th Percentile $57,200

Medical Assistant Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$50,899
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$45,924
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$44,776
Pop. 311,549
Elizabeth, NJ
$43,245
Pop. 137,298

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Paterson

Education

Most medical assistant positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Paterson and the surrounding New Jersey area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Vital SignsPatient PrepMedical TerminologyEMR SystemsPhlebotomyScheduling

Job Outlook

Nationally, medical assistant employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Paterson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Medical Assistant Jobs in Paterson

Browse open medical assistant positions in Paterson, NJ:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Medical Assistant Salary in Paterson

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Paterson, NJ? ▼
The median medical assistant salary in Paterson, New Jersey is $42,097 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $38,270. Salaries range from $32,340 (10th percentile) to $57,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Medical Assistant make per hour in Paterson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,097, a medical assistant in Paterson earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Paterson compare to the New Jersey state average for medical assistant pay? ▼
Paterson's median medical assistant salary of $42,097 is 8.3% below the New Jersey state average of $45,924. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Paterson, NJ? ▼
Paterson has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a medical assistant salary of $42,097 in Paterson has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a medical assistant in Paterson? ▼
Most medical assistant positions in Paterson require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Vital Signs, Patient Prep, Medical Terminology, EMR Systems. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.