Medical Assisting Education & Careers
By: My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Updated: February 10, 2026
Salaries for medical assistants in New York
Medical assistants in New York may find themselves in a vibrant healthcare environment, supporting physicians and ensuring the seamless operation of medical facilities. Their roles encompass both administrative and clinical tasks, contributing to the efficiency of healthcare delivery.
New York’s status as a high-paying state for medical assistants can be attributed to several factors, including the demand for healthcare professionals in densely populated urban areas, the state’s robust healthcare infrastructure and the higher cost of living in metropolitan regions.
Overview of MA pay in NY
There are roughly 39,860 people employed as medical assistants in New York says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which makes it the fourth highest employer of medical assistants in the U.S. after California, Texas and Florida. The median wage per hour is $23 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in New York state include:
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Westchester and Queens, NY. A leading healthcare institution, New York-Presbyterian employs medical assistants across various specialties and clinics.
- NYU Langone Health: New York City, Brooklyn, Long Island, NY. Serving the New York City area, NYU Langone Health hires medical assistants to support patient care and administrative functions.
- Mount Sinai Health System: New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, NY. With a network of hospitals and medical centers, Mount Sinai Health System provides opportunities for medical assistants in different capacities.
- Northwell Health: New York City, Long Island, Westchester, NY. As the largest healthcare provider in New York, Northwell Health employs medical assistants in diverse roles across its facilities.
- Montefiore Health System: The Bronx and area, NY. Serving the Bronx and Westchester County, Montefiore Health System is a major employer of medical assistants, offering positions in various medical specialties.
How much do medical assistants make in New York?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $45,690 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what type of certifications you have earned and your level of education for medical assisting.
Here’s how median national medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in New York
The median annual salary for medical assistants in New York is $48,000. While it’s important to note that salaries may vary based on experience, education, industry and location within the state, the BLS ranks New York as the #4 state for highest employment of medical assistants in the country.
10%$37,280
25%$43,600
50%$48,000Median
75%$55,120
90%$59,480
Median Hourly Wage$23
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment40,710
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ithaca, NY | $53,760 | $38,400 | $53,760 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $48,370 | $37,390 | $59,910 |
| Glens Falls, NY | $47,860 | $37,180 | $54,340 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $45,450 | $36,650 | $54,830 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $44,870 | $37,540 | $50,060 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | $44,650 | $35,420 | $55,760 |
| Syracuse, NY | $44,250 | $35,840 | $50,800 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | $44,020 | $36,490 | $47,840 |
| Kingston, NY | $42,620 | $36,390 | $49,120 |
| Rochester, NY | $41,710 | $38,140 | $48,010 |
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 NY
The BLS says medical assistants in New York experience a wide salary scale:
- Entry-level medical assistants in New York can expect salaries ranging from $37,280 to $43,600 annually, depending on factors such as location, experience and employer.
- Senior-level medical assistants in management roles or with extensive experience in NY, such as lead medical assistants, may see salaries exceeding $55,120, reaching up to $59,480 or more annually.
Pay by metro area within the state of NY
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 Manhattan, Brooklyn or Westchester, which have high profile medical facilities, a dense population and high cost of living, pay may be more competitive. As you can see, New York does not rank in the top 10 metro areas for highest pay. The majority of cities that pay well over the median are in California.
Factors affecting medical assisting salaries in New York
Several factors influence medical assistant salaries in New York. Here are just a few:
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 New York City 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 NY?
New York State follows federal labor laws, including minimum wage regulations set by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For specific inquiries and information on state labor laws, you can refer to the New York State Department of Labor.
To assess whether you are being paid fairly compared to other medical assistants in New York, consider the following:
- Research industry standards: Utilize salary surveys and industry reports to understand average compensation for medical assistants in your area.
- Professional networks: Engage with medical assisting peers to gain insights into prevailing salary levels and discuss compensation benchmarks.
If your HR department cannot help, and if you believe there is a pay issue, resources such as the New York State Department of Labor and organizations like the New York State Nurses Association may provide guidance and support.
Education requirements and continuing education for NY
While formal education requirements for medical assistants in New York may vary, completing a medical assistant program, often culminating in a diploma, certificate or a two-year associate degree is common. There are no specific continuing education requirements mandated by the state, but pursuing professional certifications such as the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential or the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) designation, and staying updated on industry advancements may enhance career prospects.
Cost of living considerations in NY
New York is known for its relatively high cost of living, particularly in areas like New York City. Factors such as housing, transportation and healthcare should be considered when evaluating salary offers.
RentCafe says New York state is has a 30% higher cost of living than the national average with New York City resting at 22% higher. Housing is 78% higher in the state while food is 7% higher.
Take a look at how some of the state’s major cities stack up against the national average:
| New York City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| New York City | 78% higher |
| Brooklyn | 66% higher |
| Manhattan | 127% higher |
| Queens | 41% higher |
| Rochester | 1% lower |
| Syracuse | 3% higher |
| Albany | 5% higher |
NY professional associations for medical assistants
Professional associations may offer networking opportunities, continuing education resources, certification exam prep resources, job boards and a supportive community. Here are a couple of groups to consider:
- New York State Society of Medical Assistants (NYSSMA): The NYSSMA offers networking opportunities and resources for medical assistants in the state.
- New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA): While not specific to medical assistants, NYSNA provides a broader healthcare-focused network.
- Community Healthcare Association of New York: A membership organization representing New York’s 70-plus Community Health Centers (CHCs).
In conclusion, medical assistants in New York enjoy a dynamic and rewarding environment, with salaries reflecting the state’s prominence in healthcare and the unique challenges of working in a high-demand urban setting. As these professionals contribute to the efficiency of medical practices, their compensation mirrors the vitality of the healthcare landscape in the Empire State.
The medical assistant salary guide for NY 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.