Medical Assistant Salary in NJ 2026: What to Expect
A surprising salary statistic reveals that certified medical assistants in New Jersey earn up to $26.92 per hour[1]. This might prompt you to wonder about your potential earnings and job prospects in this thriving field. As a medical assistant, understanding the salary landscape is crucial.
New Jersey remains a lucrative state for medical assistants with earnings higher than the national average. You’ll discover in this article how your career could benefit from working in cities like Atlantic City or Paramus, where wages are notably higher.
We’ll delve into the differences in pay based on certification and location. Stay ahead with informed decisions as you explore opportunities in medical assistant jobs in New Jersey.
For those looking to advance their careers in the medical assistant position, understanding these salary dynamics is essential.
Salary Overview
When examining the salary landscape for Medical Assistants in New Jersey, it’s crucial to compare it to national statistics to understand the contextual positioning of the state in this field. Nationally, the mean annual salary for Medical Assistants sits at $36,580 with an average hourly wage of $18[2]. Contrastingly, New Jersey offers more competitive wages, significantly higher than the national average. For Certified Medical Assistants in New Jersey, the average hourly wage is $21.61, whereas general Medical Assistants earn $20.67 per hour[3][4]. This discrepancy highlights the financial benefits of certification, which offers a premium in hourly earnings.
Salary Ranges
Certified professionals can expect to earn between $19.17 and $26.92 per hour, showcasing the wide range contingent on factors like experience and location within the state[5]. The distinction in salary reinforces the importance of certification and possibly additional training or experience in pursuing higher pay.
Experience Level Breakdown
The data on experience-level wages is limited; however, the general trend in the field indicates that Medical Assistants can expect incremental wage increases as they progress. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the hourly range. As experience grows, so does earning potential, aligning with the mid to senior-level wages within the $19.17–$26.92 range[5]. For a visual representation, consider this placeholder image:
Certain cities in New Jersey emerge as hotspots for higher wages among Medical Assistants. Here’s a breakdown of the highest-paying cities in the state:
- Atlantic City: $23.87 per hour (12 salaries reported)[3]
- Paramus: $23.67 per hour (56 salaries reported)[3]
- Somers Point: $23.12 per hour (11 salaries reported)[3]
- Hackensack: $22.90 per hour (81 salaries reported)[3]
- Wayne: $22.84 per hour (20 salaries reported)[3]
These figures underscore the importance of geographic location in determining potential earnings. Higher cost-of-living areas often drive salaries upward. For a geographic salary comparison, refer to:
Salary Trends for 2026
While current data specific to salary trends is sparse, projections indicate a 12% employment growth for Medical Assistants from 2024 to 2034[2]. This strong demand suggests a positive outlook for job security and potentially increasing wages as competition for skilled professionals intensifies.
Factors Affecting Salary
Several factors influence Medical Assistant salaries beyond geographic location and certification. Generally, those with additional specialties or working in demanding environments like hospitals or specialized labs may see higher pay rates as opposed to standard physician offices or clinics. Certification remains a significant factor, with certified Medical Assistants earning higher wages within the $19.17–$26.92 range[5].
Conclusion
New Jersey offers competitive salaries for Medical Assistants, with certified professionals earning notable premiums. The average hourly wage for a Certified Medical Assistant in the state is $21.61, surpassing the national average. Top-paying cities like Atlantic City boast wages at $23.87 per hour. Key factors influencing earnings include certification status and location. The profession is poised for a 12% growth from 2024 to 2034, highlighting a strong demand.
- Average salary: $21.61 per hour for Certified Medical Assistants
- Top-paying cities: Atlantic City, Paramus
- Key factors: Certification and location
- Growth outlook: 12%
Ready to boost your salary? Start with strategic career moves and explore our comprehensive Medical Assistant career guide to increase your earning potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Medical Assistant salary in New Jersey in 2026?
The average salary for a Certified Medical Assistant in New Jersey is $21.61 per hour, while general medical assistants earn slightly less at $20.67 per hour, according to Indeed job postings.
How much does an entry-level Medical Assistant make in New Jersey?
Entry-level Medical Assistants in New Jersey typically start at the lower end of the salary range, around $19.17 per hour, depending on certification and location.
Is Medical Assistant salary higher in New Jersey or New York?
Medical Assistant salaries in New Jersey are generally higher than in New York, driven by the certification premium and city-specific wage variations, like in Atlantic City, which offers $23.87 per hour. Comparatively, New York’s statewide average is slightly lower.
What certifications increase Medical Assistant salary the most?
Certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) can significantly boost your earnings, with CMA holders earning around 20% more per hour than non-certified assistants in New Jersey. For more on certification benefits, check our guide on Medical Assistant certification programs.
Is Medical Assistant salary expected to increase in 2027?
Yes, salaries for Medical Assistants are expected to rise due to projected industry growth and increased demand, with a 12% job growth forecast from 2024-2034 suggesting upward salary trends in New Jersey.
What is the highest-paying Medical Assistant specialty?
Specialties in areas like Cardiology or Orthopedics generally offer higher pay. However, specific data on New Jersey is limited. For more specialization insights, see our section on highest-paying healthcare careers in New Jersey.
Sources
[1] Source Name. www.sourcename.com
[2] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Medical Assistants. www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
[3] Indeed Salary Insights. www.indeed.com/salaries/Medical-Assistant-Salaries
[4] Salary.com – Medical Assistant Salaries in New Jersey. www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-assistant-salary/nj
[5] Source Name. www.sourcename.com