Albany vs Rochester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,100▲ | $43,783 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.64▲ | $21.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,406 | $40,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,508 | $41,211▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,386▲ | $48,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,548▲ | $50,396 |
| Total Employed | 1,390 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $3,317 (7.58%). 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,Rochester spans $10,360. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($47,305 effective) pays 4.84% more than Rochester ($45,121 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,548)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,305)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓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 27.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$34,530 (2019) → $44,870 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$32,810 (2019) → $41,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Albany or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Rochester?
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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