Atlantic City vs Paterson: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,814 | $55,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.99 | $26.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,747 | $44,154▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,589 | $46,715▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,183 | $61,672▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,934 | $73,415▲ |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $7,398 (15.47%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $16,187,Paterson spans $29,261. Paterson 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, Atlantic City ($48,367 effective) pays 0.92% more than Paterson ($47,927 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,367)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,212/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,415)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Atlantic City grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$34,030 (2019) → $45,550 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$50,652 (2024) → $52,598 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
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