Medical Assisting Education & Careers
By: My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Updated: February 10, 2026
Salaries for medical assistants in New Jersey
In the heart of the northeastern U.S., New Jersey’s Garden State, holds opportunities, and its healthcare sector is no exception. For medical assistants seeking insight into compensation dynamics, understanding the intricacies of salaries in this state is paramount.
This guide unveils the latest information on median salaries, influencing factors, top employers, educational paths, the impact of professional certification, available professional groups and what makes New Jersey an enticing hub for medical assistants.
Overview of MA pay in NJ
There are roughly 19,880 people employed as medical assistants in New Jersey says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which means that out of every 1,000 people in the state, five are employed as medical assistants. The median wage per hour is $22 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
New Jersey’s strategic location, robust healthcare sector and emphasis on professional development make it an appealing destination for medical assistants. The state’s commitment to innovation and patient care contributes to a dynamic and fulfilling work environment for healthcare professionals.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in New Jersey include:
- Hackensack Meridian Health: Hackensack and multiple locations, NJ. This healthcare giant in New Jersey offers medical assistants a plethora of opportunities across multiple medical specialties and a commitment to cutting-edge patient care.
- RWJBarnabas Health: Multiple locations, NJ. As one of the largest healthcare systems in the state, RWJBarnabas Health provides medical assistants with a diverse range of roles in patient-focused healthcare.
- Atlantic Health System: Madison, Morristown and multiple locations, NJ. Operating numerous hospitals and clinics, Atlantic Health System offers medical assistants exposure to a broad spectrum of medical disciplines and opportunities for professional growth.
- Virtua Health: Camden and multiple locations, NJ. With a focus on patient-centric care, Virtua Health is a significant employer for medical assistants, providing roles in a variety of medical settings.
- Cooper University Health Care: Camden, Voorhees, Willingboro, NJ. This academic health system, affiliated with Cooper University, offers medical assistants exposure to innovative medical practices and a collaborative work environment in southern New Jersey.
How much do medical assistants make in NJ?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $44,200 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education in medical assisting.
Here’s how median national medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in New Jersey
The median annual salary for medical assistants in New Jersey is $44,200. It’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state.
10%$35,150
25%$38,820
50%$46,280Median
75%$49,100
90%$57,470
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment22,530
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | $47,780 | $36,390 | $58,330 |
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | $45,660 | $38,040 | $49,100 |
| Vineland, NJ | $44,940 | $35,290 | $51,760 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for entry-level and senior medical assistants in NJ
The BLS says medical assistants in New Jersey experience a wide salary scale:
- Entry-level medical assistants in New Jersey can expect salaries ranging from $32,780 to $37,190 annually, depending on factors such as location, experience and employer.
- Mid-range medical assistants: Those with a few years experience and possible credentialing may expect between $37,190 and $46,550.
- Senior-level medical assistants in management roles or with extensive experience in NJ, such as lead medical assistants, may see salaries between $46,550 and $57,470 or more annually.
Pay by metro area within the state of NJ
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Newark or Camden which have high profile medical facilities, a denser population and higher cost of living, pay may be more competitive. While New Jersey doesn’t rank in the top 10 metro areas for highest pay, Newark does rank #1 (along with New York City, NY, and Jersey City, PA) for highest employment level of medical assistants in the U.S.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in New Jersey
New Jersey’s unique economic landscape, combined with factors such as experience, geographic location and the type of healthcare facility, significantly influence medical assistant salaries. Professionals in specialized roles or high-demand regions may command higher compensation, emphasizing the importance of these variables in salary considerations. Consider these factors:
Experience and Certification: Certified Medical Assistants (CMAs) often command higher salaries, and experience in the field can contribute to increased compensation.
Location: Salaries may vary between major cities like Newark and Trenton and other regions of the state, with metropolitan areas generally offering higher compensation.
Industry and Specialty: Medical assistants in specialized fields or high-demand specialties may receive higher salaries.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in NJ?
New Jersey follows federal labor laws, including minimum wage regulations set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). NJ also enforces a state act called the Diane B. Allen Equal Pay Act that has been called “the most sweeping equal pay legislation in the nation.”
To assess whether you are being paid fairly compared to other medical assistants in New Jersey, consider taking these steps:
- Research industry standards: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports to understand average compensation for medical assistants in your area. Online tools such as the BLS, Indeed and ZipRecruiter can be useful and informative.
- Professional networks: Engage with your network of medical assisting peers to gain insights into their salary levels and duties and discuss compensation benchmarks.
You may want to also check with your facility’s HR department. If your HR department cannot help, and if you still believe there is a pay issue, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers a complaints, appeals and investigations section on their website where you can file your concern.
Education requirements and certification for medical assisting in NJ
In New Jersey, factors such as experience, certifications and geographic demand play crucial roles in determining medical assistant pay. The educational path from an entry-level position to managerial roles typically involves completing a formal medical assistant training program in the form of a diploma, certificate or associate degree, gaining experience and pursuing additional certifications. Advanced degrees in healthcare administration or related fields may further open doors to managerial positions.
Professional certifications, such as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), are highly valued in New Jersey. They not only enhance the skills and competence of medical assistants but also may contribute to career advancement and increased earning potential.
Cost of living considerations in New Jersey
New Jersey has a relatively high cost of living (13% higher) compared to the national average, but not as high as would be expected having a neighbor like New York, which has a very high cost of living (30% higher, with New York City at 22% higher and NYC housing at 228% higher than the national average, according to RentCafe). Factors such as housing, transportation and healthcare should be considered when you’re negotiating salary offers.
RentCafe says New Jersey’s housing market is 31% higher, while food is 6% higher and healthcare is 5% lower than the national average.
Take a look at how some of the state’s major cities stack up against the national average:
| New Jersey City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Middlesex | 14% higher |
| Morristown | 11% higher |
| Newark | 20% higher |
| Vineland | 4% lower |
NJ professional associations for medical assistants
Joining a professional association may offer networking opportunities, continuing education resources, certification exam prep guides, job boards and a supportive community of peers. Here are just a couple of groups to consider:
- New Jersey Society of Medical Assistants (NJSMA): Affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), NJSMA provides networking opportunities, continuing education and support for medical assistants in the state.
- New Jersey Association of Healthcare Administrative Professionals (NJAHAP): Focused on supporting administrative professionals in healthcare, NJAHAP offers resources and collaboration opportunities.
For medical assistants in the Garden State, the landscape is rich with opportunities for both professional and financial growth. Navigating through the complexities of salaries, certifications and educational paths, medical assistants in New Jersey can find themselves on a prosperous journey, contributing meaningfully to healthcare and advancing their careers with confidence.
The medical assistant salary guide for NJ aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.