Medical Assistant Jobs NYC 2025: Salaries, Benefits, Certification, and Hiring Trends by Borough
Medical Assistant Jobs NYC 2025: Salaries, Benefits, Certification, and Hiring Trends by Borough
New York City is one of the most dynamic healthcare job markets in the United States, and medical assistant (MA) positions in 2025 are at record demand levels. Whether in a large hospital, specialty clinic, or private practice, MAs in NYC play a critical role in patient care and administrative support.
These professionals handle a mix of clinical tasks—such as taking vitals, assisting in examinations, performing EKGs, and drawing blood—and administrative duties like scheduling, insurance claims, and managing patient records. The dual nature of the job makes MAs indispensable across the city’s healthcare network.
Average Medical Assistant Salary in NYC (2025)
Entry-Level Pay: $19–$21/hour ($39,520–$43,680/year)
Mid-Level Pay: $22–$24/hour ($45,760–$49,920/year)
Experienced/Certified Specialists: $25–$27/hour ($52,000–$56,160/year)
Top-Paying Boroughs for Medical Assistants in NYC
Manhattan leads in average hourly pay due to its high concentration of specialty practices, research hospitals, and private clinics. However, boroughs like Queens and Staten Island can offer better net purchasing power because of slightly lower living costs.
Pay by Specialty in NYC
SpecialtyAvg Hourly PayAnnual SalaryDermatology$26.50$55,120Cardiology$26.00$54,080Orthopedics$25.50$53,040Plastic Surgery$25.25$52,520Urgent Care$24.75$51,480Pediatrics$23.00$47,840
Specialties involving advanced technical skills or high patient turnover tend to pay more—dermatology and cardiology are among the most lucrative in NYC.
Cost of Living Adjustment: Real Pay in NYC
While NYC offers some of the highest MA salaries in the U.S., the Cost of Living Index (around 168 vs. U.S. average of 100) means take-home value is significantly reduced. For example, $23.50/hour in NYC has the same purchasing power as about $16/hour in an average U.S. city.
MAs working in outer boroughs or commuting from nearby New Jersey or Long Island may benefit from higher wages combined with slightly lower living costs.
Top Employers Hiring MAs in NYC (2025)
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital – Flagship hospital and specialty centers across Manhattan and Queens.
Mount Sinai Health System – Multiple campuses, including Icahn School of Medicine locations.
NYU Langone Health – Offers specialty practices and large medical centers.
Northwell Health – Operates in Staten Island, Queens, and Long Island.
Weill Cornell Medicine – Known for research integration and advanced patient care.
NYC Health + Hospitals – Largest public health network in the U.S., with citywide locations.
Certification Requirements & Pay Boost
While New York State does not require certification for medical assistants, employers strongly prefer candidates with national credentials like:
CMA (Certified Medical Assistant – AAMA)
RMA (Registered Medical Assistant – AMT)
CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant – NHA)
Holding a certification can raise pay by $2–$3/hour, equating to $4,000–$6,000 more annually. It also increases hiring potential at top hospitals.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Typical full-time benefits for NYC MAs include:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement plan with employer match
Generous PTO and sick leave
Tuition reimbursement for further education
Paid certification renewal fees
Overtime and evening/weekend shift differentials
Union protections (in some hospital systems)
Job Outlook in NYC
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 14% national growth rate for MAs through 2033. In NYC, growth is expected to be closer to 16–18%, driven by:
Population aging and increasing demand for chronic disease management
Expansion of outpatient surgery centers and urgent care clinics
Growth in multilingual patient populations
Advances in telemedicine creating hybrid administrative-clinical roles
How to Land the Best Medical Assistant Jobs in NYC
Get Certified Early – CMA, RMA, or CCMA certifications can move your resume to the top.
Specialize – Skills in EKG, phlebotomy, and medical coding increase market value.
Target High-Pay Areas – Apply to positions in Manhattan or at specialty centers.
Leverage Networking – Attend healthcare job fairs and connect on LinkedIn.
Consider Union Roles – Many hospital MAs benefit from collective bargaining wage scales.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, medical assistants in NYC enjoy hourly pay ranging from $23–$27, with strong benefits and excellent job stability. Although the cost of living is steep, strategic career moves—such as certification, specialization, and targeting high-demand boroughs—can lead to lucrative, long-term roles in one of the world’s most vibrant healthcare markets.
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