Medical Assistant Salary NJ 2025
Medical Assistant Salary NJ 2025
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey 2025: Hourly, Monthly & Annual Pay with COLA
Medical assistants in New Jersey bridge clinical tasks (like vitals, patient prep, and exams) with administrative responsibilities (such as scheduling and record management). In 2025, NJ offers solid compensation across hourly, monthly, and yearly pay scales—especially compared to national averages—thanks to its robust healthcare systems and proximity to New York City and Philadelphia.
✅ NJ Average Medical Assistant Pay vs. National Benchmarks
Pay TypeNew Jersey AvgNational AvgDifferenceHourly$20.19‑$22.36*$20.19+0–11%Monthly~$3,650~$3,500+4–11%Annual$43,880‑$46,500$42,000+5–11%
ZipRecruiter reports a statewide average of $20.19/hour, with top earners nearing $27.82/hour Reddit+7findmedicalassistantprograms.org+7OnlineDegree.com+7Stepful+5ZipRecruiter+5ZipRecruiter+5.
Glassdoor shows averages around $44,491/year (about $21/hour) Glassdoor+1Stepful+1.
Stepful estimates average hourly pay at $20/hour or $41,600/year Stepful+1Stepful+1.
Glassdoor Certified Medical Assistant data shows $46,537/year ($22/hour) up to $25/hour at top-paying employers Salary.com+2Glassdoor+2ZipRecruiter+2.
📍 Pay by City: Hourly, Monthly, Annual
CityHourly RateMonthly PayAnnual SalaryUnion City$21.74~$3,767$45,215Livingston$21.68~$3,758$45,097Somerset$21.00~$3,642$43,709Jersey City$20.90~$3,623$43,477Newark$20.80~$3,605$43,262Edison$20.59~$3,569$42,828
These figures from ZipRecruiter reflect pay across NJ cities, with Union City and Livingston leading the list at ~$21.70/hour Glassdoor+12ZipRecruiter+12ZipRecruiter+12.
💵 Cost-of-Living Adjusted Hourly Pay
Even higher nominal rates in cities like Jersey City may stretch less due to cost-of-living. In contrast, areas with moderate costs give better purchasing power:
CityHourly RateCOL Index (US=100)Real Hourly ValueJersey City$20.90~130~$16.08Newark$20.80~124~$16.77Trenton$20.00~108~$18.52Atlantic City$19.50~102~$19.12Camden$19.00~99~$19.19
These COL indexes are estimates based on regional cost data.
🎓 Shift with Career Experience & Certification
Career StageHourly RateMonthly PayAnnual SalaryEntry-Level (0–1 yr)$17–$20~$3,000–$3,500$36,000–$42,000Mid-Career (2–5 yrs)$20–$22~$3,500–$3,900$42,000–$47,000Certified / Experienced$22–$25~$3,700–$4,300$44,000–$52,800+
Certification (CMA/RMA/CCMA) often adds $2–$3/hour, especially in specialty clinics or large hospitals, where pay may exceed $24–25/hour—particularly at top firms like Lockheed Martin, VA, Hackensack Meridian, and RWJBarnabas Stepful+1Stepful+1ZipRecruiter.
📈 Why NJ Medical Assistants Earn Higher Pay
Proximity to NYC & Philadelphia — Employers compete with metro wages.
Large health systems (Hackensack Meridian, RWJBarnabas, Atlantic Health) offer competitive rates (up to ~$23/hr) GlassdoorGlassdoor.
Certification Premium — CMA or RMA credentials boost earnings.
Specialty Practices — Cardiology, dermatology, urgent care roles often pay more.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments — Employers offset higher regional expenses.
🛠️ Benefits & Compensation Extras
Even hourly medical assistants in full-time roles frequently receive:
Health, dental, and vision coverage
Paid time off and sick leave
Retirement savings plans with employer contribution
Tuition reimbursement for further education
Overtime, evening/weekend differentials
Sign-on bonuses up to ~$3,500 for certified candidates GlassdoorZipRecruiter.
🌱 Job Outlook & Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job demand for medical assistants in New Jersey is expected to grow approximately 12–14% through 2033, driven by aging demographics, expanding outpatient services, and telehealth—supporting both job availability and wage upward pressure Glassdoor+11findmedicalassistantprograms.org+11OnlineDegree.com+11.
🚀 How to Maximize Your Medical Assistant Pay in NJ
Obtain certification through recognized institutions
Gain in-demand skills: phlebotomy, EKG, medical billing, etc.
Target hospitals and specialty clinics in high-pay cities (Union City, Livingston, Newark)
Negotiate pay based on market data and current job demand
Take advantage of overtime or per-diem opportunities for extra pay
🏁 Final Takeaway
In 2025, New Jersey offers medical assistants hourly pay in the $20–$22 range, with the potential to go above $25/hour for certified professionals in competitive metro markets. Even though cities like Jersey City list high base rates, the real take-home value may be greater in less expensive areas like Camden or Trenton.
Combining certification, specialized skills, and strategic location, NJ medical assistants can expect outstanding compensation across hourly, monthly, and annual pay scales.
