Medical Assistant Salary in New York City (2025): A Complete Guide

Medical Assistant Salary in New York City (2025): A Complete Guide

Medical assistants in New York City earn higher-than-average wages compared to many other U.S. cities. This is due to the region’s elevated cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the city’s concentration of private practices, major hospitals, and specialty clinics.

Average Salary Range

As of 2025, the average salary for a medical assistant in NYC ranges from $43,000 to $46,000 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $21 to $22. These estimates can fluctuate depending on experience, credentials, and employer type.

  • Indeed reports an average hourly wage of $21.14, with many jobs paying up to $27 per hour for those with advanced certifications.

  • Stepful, a healthcare training platform, cites an average annual salary of $45,919, higher than both the national and state averages.

  • Salary.com notes a typical pay range between $39,778 and $51,186, with $45,539 being the median annual figure for certified medical assistants.

Entry-Level vs. Experienced

  • Entry-Level: A new graduate or uncertified assistant may start around $36,000 to $39,000 annually.

  • Experienced or Certified: Professionals with a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential or several years of experience can earn between $50,000 and $58,000, especially in hospital or surgical environments.

Specialty Pay Premiums

Medical assistants can earn more by working in certain specialties. Some of the highest-paying areas include:

  • Cardiology: $21.75 per hour

  • Family Medicine: $21.34 per hour

  • Urgent Care: $20.93 per hour

  • Pediatrics: Around $20.50 per hour

  • Plastic Surgery and Fertility Clinics: Often exceed $22 per hour

Factors That Influence Pay

  1. Certification: Employers often prefer or require CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), or NCMA credentials, which can raise pay.

  2. Location Within NYC: Facilities in Manhattan and Brooklyn generally offer more than those in outer boroughs.

  3. Facility Type: Larger hospital systems (like NYU Langone or Mount Sinai) and private specialty clinics pay more than small family practices.

  4. Experience Level: Pay increases steadily with each year in the field.

  5. Administrative Duties: Medical assistants who also manage front-office tasks like billing and scheduling often receive bonuses or higher hourly wages.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects medical assistant roles to grow by 14% nationally from 2022 to 2032. NYC, due to its aging population and expanding outpatient care centers, offers strong job security and upward mobility.

Conclusion

Medical assistants in New York City earn strong salaries, with most earning around $44,000 to $46,000 per year, and experienced professionals earning well into the $50,000+ range. Choosing a specialty, gaining certification, and working in high-demand neighborhoods or clinics can significantly boost earning potential.

If you're searching for more than just a job—a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential—then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Moreover, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.

Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!

Sources:

  • Indeed – Certified Medical Assistant Salaries in NYC

  • Stepful – NYC Medical Assistant Salary

  • Salary.com – Medical Assistant Certified Salary in New York, NY

  • ZipRecruiter – Entry-Level CMA Salary NYC

  • MyMedicalAssistingDegree – New York Salary Overview

Previous
Previous

Is medical assistant school hard?

Next
Next

What is a medical assistant salary in NYC?