Albany vs Buffalo: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,100▲ | $46,869 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.64▲ | $22.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,406▲ | $37,180 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,508▲ | $40,329 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,386 | $51,362▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,548 | $58,531▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,390 | 2,310▲ |
Verdict
Albany and Buffalo are closely matched on overall medical assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $231 (0.49%). Albany's median is -1.80% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $13,142,Buffalo spans $21,351. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($48,901 effective) pays 3.37% more than Albany ($47,305 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,100/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,531)
- ✓Larger job market (2,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,901)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Albany grew 29.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$34,530 (2019) → $44,870 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$34,150 (2019) → $44,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov