A career as a medical assistant has several benefits, such as job stability and a decent salary. In addition, medical assistants have a rewarding job as they play an essential role in patient care and the overall healthcare system.
So, what is the average medical assistant salary in New Jersey?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, in 2021, the average medical assistant annual salary in New Jersey was $39,600. This comes out to around $19.04 per hour, on average.
Keep in mind that the average salary will depend on a variety of factors, such as workplace, experience, and location.
This guide will go over medical assistant salaries in New Jersey and how they compare with the salaries of other similar healthcare careers. Finally, it will also go over some ways you can increase your salary.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey Overview
State-specific BLS data shows that the 2021 average annual salary for medical assistants in New Jersey was $39,600, which is about $19.04 per hour.
Medical assistants working in major metropolitan areas tended to earn more than the average. For example, those that worked in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area earned an average salary of $42,390.
Overall, average medical assistant salaries in New Jersey ranged from $35,570 to $42,390. The exact salary will depend on multiple factors, including location of work, relative experience, and workplace environment.
In addition, the job outlook for medical assistants in New Jersey is positive, with Projections Central reporting a 23.9% increase in job openings by 2030. Nationwide, medical assistant jobs are expected to grow 16% by 2031.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey vs Other States
Here's how average medical assistant salaries in NJ compare to other states:
- Alabama – $29,920 ($14.38)
- Alaska – $47,400 ($22.79)
- Arizona – $37,390 ($17.98)
- Arkansas – $29,970 ($14.41)
- California – $44,780 ($21.53). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in CA here.
- Colorado – $38,040 ($18.29)
- Connecticut – $41,010 ($19.71). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in CT here.
- Delaware – $36,450 ($17.52) – Learn more about medical assistant salaries in DE here.
- District of Columbia – $46,690 ($22.45) – Learn more about medical assistant salaries in Washington D.C. here.
- Florida – $35,480 ($17.06). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in FL here.
- Georgia – $36,190 ($17.40)
- Hawaii – $38,860 ($18.69)
- Idaho – $37,120 ($17.85)
- Illinois – $38,330 ($18.43)Learn more about medical assistant salaries in IL here.
- Indiana – $36,960 ($17.77)
- Iowa – $37,660 ($18.11)
- Kansas – $35,340 ($16.99)
- Kentucky – $33,410 ($16.06)
- Louisiana – $29,470 ($14.17)
- Maine – $37,860 ($18.20)
- Maryland – $39,280 ($18.89). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in MD here.
- Massachusetts – $44,220 ($21.25). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in MA here.
- Michigan – $37,120 ($17.85)
- Minnesota – $46,920 ($22.56)
- Mississippi – $29,760 ($14.31)
- Missouri – $35,280 ($16.96)
- Montana – $37,660 ($18.11)
- Nebraska – $36,990 ($17.78)
- Nevada – $36,960 ($17.77)
- New Hampshire – $38,220 ($18.37)
- New Jersey – $39,600 ($19.04). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in NJ here.
- New Mexico – $30,750 ($14.79)
- New York – $42,100 ($20.24). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in NY & NYC here.
- North Carolina – $36,790 ($17.69)
- North Dakota – $37,310 ($17.94)
- Ohio – $36,800 ($17.69)
- Oklahoma – $30,030 ($14.44)
- Oregon – $45,710 ($21.97)
- Pennsylvania – $36,750 ($17.67). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in PA here.
- Rhode Island – $37,860 ($18.20)
- South Carolina – $34,710 ($16.69)
- South Dakota – $30,540 ($14.68)
- Tennessee – $36,280 ($17.44)
- Texas – $34,660 ($16.66)
- Utah – $37,120 ($17.85)
- Vermont – $37,190 ($17.88)
- Virginia – $38,330 ($18.43). Learn about medical assistant salaries in VA here.
- Washington – $47,460 ($22.82)
- West Virginia – $31,230 ($15.01). Learn more about medical assistant salaries in WV here.
- Wisconsin – $38,050 ($18.30)
- Wyoming – $37,410 ($17.99)
>> Read More: Average Medical Assistant Salary by State
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey Metro Areas vs Others
Here's how medical assistant salaries in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area compare to others:
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA – $42,390 ($20.38)
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA – $41,390 ($19.90)
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX – $36,690 ($17.64)
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI – $38,910 ($18.71)
- Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA – $36,870 ($17.73)
- Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX – $36,920 ($17.75)
- Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL – $37,950 ($18.25)
- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ – $38,630 ($18.57)
- San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA – $54,930 ($26.41)
- Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD – $39,450 ($18.97)
Medical Assistant vs Certified Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey
Certified medical assistants in New Jersey can potentially earn a higher salary than the average.
According to Salary.com, certified medical assistants make an average salary of $42,860, which comes out to about $21.34 per hour. Overall, salaries for those that have gotten a medical assistant certification range between $39,577 to $46,310.
Based on this data, holding a certification results in an average additional annual salary of $3,260 for medical assistants in New Jersey.
A certified medical assistant is a medical assistant who has earned a certification. Technically, CMA refers to the certification awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
However, the term “certified medical assistant” is usually used to refer to any medical assistant who has earned one of the several recognized certifications, including CMA, RMA, and CCMA.
To become a certified medical assistant, you will need to pass one of the certification exams. Each exam has its own specific eligibility requirements. In general, you will need to complete an accredited medical assistant training program or have a certain number of years of work experience.
>> Read More: Medical Assistant Certification Requirements
Job Outlook for Medical Assistants in New Jersey
According to Projections Central, job openings are expected to increase by 23.9% by the end of the decade. It is estimated that every year, about 2,770 new medical assistant jobs will be available.
Nationwide projections for medical assistant jobs are also positive. The BLS projects a 16% increase in employment by the end of the decade. Compared with national projections, the job outlook for medical assistants in New Jersey is even more positive.
In summary, this means that there are expected to be plenty of medical assistant jobs available over the next few years, in New Jersey and the U.S. as a whole.
Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey vs Other Occupations
It can be helpful to see how medical assistant salaries in New Jersey compare with other similar occupations. The following list compares BLS reported medical assistant average salaries with those of other healthcare careers.
- Dental Assistant. They earn an average salary of $43,980 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600. Learn more in our medical assistant vs dental assistant guide.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). They earn an average salary of $35,830 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600. Learn more in our medical assistant vs certified nursing assistant guide.
- Registered Nurse (RN). They earn an average salary of $89,690 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600. Learn more in our medical assistant vs nurse guide.
- Physician Assistant (PA). They earn an average salary of $140,080 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600. Learn more in our medical assistant vs physician assistant guide.
- Phlebotomist. They earn an average salary of $40,570 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600.
- EKG Technician. They earn an average salary of $80,690 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600.
- Dental Hygienist. They earn an average salary of $87,070 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600.
- Home Health Aide. They earn an average salary of $31,290 compared to an average medical assistant salary of $39,600.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting a Better Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey
There are many factors that influence how much a medical assistant earns in New Jersey. This section will go over how you can boost your chances of earning a higher salary.
Get More Certifications
Earning a medical assistant certification is a great way to demonstrate your competency, skill, and knowledge.
Employers view certifications favorably during the hiring process. As a result, having a certification helps you stand out and can increase your chances of landing a higher- paying job.
In addition, getting certified for various skills such as CPR and Basic Life Support can help strengthen your resume. Having one or more of these kinds of skill certifications can also improve your chances of getting hired at higher-paying workplaces.
Stay On Top of the Industry & New Technologies
The healthcare landscape is constantly changing as new technologies and policies are implemented. Being well-informed about the latest happenings in the healthcare field is a great way to impress potential employers and land a higher-paying job.
For example, being familiar with the latest electronic medical record software can be helpful if you are applying for a job that uses that particular software.
Ask Your Manager for Opportunities for Advancement
Depending on your level of experience and your workplace, you may be able to get promoted to more senior medical assistant positions. For example, you may be able to take on more of a supervisory role over other medical assistants in your department. Ask your manager to find out whether these opportunities are available at your workplace.
Work in a Different Location or Work Environment
Medical assistant salaries vary depending on location. For example, medical assistants working in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area earned an average salary of $42,390. This is $2,790 more than the statewide average.
As a rule of thumb, medical assistants working in more populated areas tend to earn higher salaries. Make sure to check local job descriptions to get a sense of how much medical assistants typically make in that area.
In addition, certain workplace environments tend to pay higher salaries. According to nationwide BLS data, medical assistants who worked in outpatient care centers tended to earn the highest salaries.
In contrast, medical assistants who worked in chiropractic offices tended to earn the lowest salaries.
