It’s all hands on deck in New York’s healthcare sector, with hiring for every allied health profession hitting all-time highs to meet the demand of an aging population and greater life expectancies at a time when everything from the global pandemic to obesity-related health issues are putting even more pressure on healthcare services. It’s a bit overwhelming, but at the same time it’s creating exceptional opportunities in the medical assisting field, whether you’re new to the profession or working your way up through the ranks.
But healthcare is still extremely profitable and continues to be a major economic driver in New York, with the Office of the Comptroller reporting that it accounts for nearly 1.2 million jobs and $71 billion in annual wages statewide.
According to the New York State Department of Labor, 27,000 of these jobs were held by medical assistants as of 2019. In just the two-year period leading up to 2021, this number is expected to increase by another 4.4%. No less than 3,640 annual job openings are expected as a result of both new job creation and normal turn-over as MAs retire and move into other positions . This means there’s plenty of space for both newbies and practicing medical assistants to land the job of their dreams.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average, hourly wage of $18.01, or $37,450 annually for New York’s medical assistants in 2019. For MAs who’ve earned a few years of experience and professional certification, the average hourly wage increases to $24.49, or $50,930 annually.
Average Hourly Wages for Medical Assistants in New York’s Metro Areas
Not surprising, the major metropolis of NYC landed a top spot among New York’s metro areas for both the number of medical assistants working there, and the pay they receive.
The following BLS stats provide a glimpse into what medical assistants in the median – top 10% hourly wage range are earning in New York’s largest metro areas:
- Albany (greater metro area includes Schenectady and Troy): $16.60 – $20.75 (approximately 1,100 medical assistants)
- Binghamton: $15.66 – $19.86 (approximately 350 medical assistants)
- Buffalo (greater metro area includes Cheektowaga and Niagara Falls): $16.42 – $22.07 (approximately 1,730 medical assistants)
- New York City (greater metro area includes Newark and Jersey City, NJ): $18.23 – $24.55 (approximately 35,380 medical assistants)
- Rochester: $15.77 – $ 21.61 (approximately 770 medical assistants)
- Syracuse: $15.20 – $19.64 (approximately 610 medical assistants)
Average Salaries for Medical Assistants in New York’s Metro Areas
The BLS reported the following salary range (median – top 10%) for medical assistants in New York’s largest metro areas:
- Albany (greater metro area includes Schenectady and Troy): $34,530 – $43,160
- Binghamton: $32,580 – $41,300
- Buffalo (greater metro area includes Cheektowaga and Niagara Falls): $34,150 – $45,910
- New York City (greater metro area includes Newark and Jersey City, NJ): $37,910 – $51,050
- Rochester: $32,810 – $44,940
- Syracuse: $31,620 – $40,850
US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures for medical assistants represents state data not school-specific information.
2019 job growth projections from the — are aggregated through the U.S. Department of Labor-Sponsored resource, Projections Central.
Conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and employment data accessed May 2020.