Medical Assistant Salary NJ Per Hour
Medical Assistant Salary NJ Per Hour
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Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey 2025 Per Hour: Highest Paying Cities, Job Outlook, and Career Tips
Medical assistants are in high demand across New Jersey’s healthcare sector. They handle a combination of clinical duties—such as taking vital signs, preparing patients for exams, and assisting doctors—and administrative work like managing records and scheduling appointments.
In 2025, New Jersey stands out as one of the best-paying states for medical assistants, offering hourly rates well above the national average thanks to its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, its advanced hospital networks, and the constant need for skilled healthcare support staff.
Average Hourly Pay for Medical Assistants in New Jersey
The average hourly wage for a medical assistant in New Jersey in 2025 is $22.36, translating to about $46,500 annually for full-time work.
Pay varies by experience, credentials, and location:
Entry-Level: $18.25–$20.00 per hour
Mid-Career: $21.00–$23.00 per hour
Experienced/Certified: $24.00–$26.50+ per hour
Hourly Pay by Major New Jersey Cities
CityAnnual Salary ($)Hourly Rate ($)Jersey City48,00023.08Newark47,50022.84Edison47,00022.60Paterson46,00022.12Elizabeth45,50021.88Trenton45,00021.63Atlantic City44,50021.39Camden44,00021.15
Key insight: Northern New Jersey cities near the New York City metro area consistently offer the highest hourly pay rates.
Why New Jersey Medical Assistants Earn More Per Hour
Location Advantage – Proximity to NYC and Philadelphia means competing with higher metro wages.
Strong Healthcare Systems – Employers like Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas offer competitive pay.
Cost of Living Adjustments – Higher living costs result in higher wage offers.
Certification Pay Boost – CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification often leads to an 8–12% hourly increase.
Specialized Skills – EKG, phlebotomy, and bilingual patient care experience command higher rates.
Benefits for Hourly Medical Assistants in NJ
Even hourly medical assistants in full-time roles typically receive:
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation and sick days
Retirement plans with employer matching
Tuition reimbursement for further healthcare education
Overtime and weekend shift pay differentials
Sign-on bonuses for certified candidates
Job Outlook in New Jersey
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, medical assistant jobs in New Jersey are expected to grow 12–14% through 2033. The increase is fueled by an aging population, more outpatient care facilities, and growth in telemedicine.
Career Growth and Hourly Pay Increases
Medical assistants in New Jersey can increase their hourly pay by:
Obtaining certifications (CMA, RMA, CCMA)
Working in specialty fields like cardiology, orthopedics, or dermatology
Gaining additional technical skills like phlebotomy or EKG operation
Moving into higher-paying cities like Jersey City, Newark, or Edison
Taking overtime or per-diem shifts for extra income
Final Word
In 2025, medical assistants in New Jersey earn hourly rates that are well above the national average, making the state an attractive location for both new and experienced professionals. With the right credentials and skills, many NJ medical assistants can push their hourly pay above $25, securing strong earnings and career stability in one of the most competitive healthcare markets in the country.
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