Medical Assistant Pay

Clifton vs Vineland: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare medical assistant salaries between Clifton, NJ and Vineland, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clifton, NJ
$54,229
$26.07/hr
Vineland, NJ
$47,614
$22.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClifton, NJVineland, NJ
Median Salary$54,229$47,614
Hourly Rate$26.07$22.89
Entry Level (P10)$44,408$37,453
25th Percentile$46,469$40,183
75th Percentile$56,853$50,270
Top Earner (P90)$72,888$54,868
Total Employed14240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clifton ($54,229) and Vineland ($47,614) medical assistant salaries.CliftonVinelandMedian Salary$54,229$47,614Entry Level (P10)$44,408$37,453Top Earner (P90)$72,888$54,868US Median $47,961

Verdict

Clifton, NJ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vineland.

The salary gap between Clifton and Vineland is $6,615 (13.89%). Clifton's median is +13.07% compared to the US national median of $47,961.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clifton spans $28,480,Vineland spans $17,415. Clifton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Clifton
P10 (Entry)$44,408
P25$46,469
Median$54,229
P75$56,853
P90 (Top)$72,888
Vineland
P10 (Entry)$37,453
P25$40,183
Median$47,614
P75$50,270
P90 (Top)$54,868

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Vineland ($49,614 effective) pays 5.40% more than Clifton ($47,074 effective).

Clifton
Nominal: $54,229
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $47,074
Vineland
Nominal: $47,614
CoL Index: 95.968
Adjusted: $49,614

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clifton if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,229/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($72,888)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Vineland if…

  • Larger job market (240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,614)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Clifton grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.8% growth in Vineland over the same period.

Clifton, NJ

+3.8%

$49,750 (2024) → $51,661 (2025)

Vineland, NJ

+36.8%

$33,150 (2019) → $45,360 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical assistants more: Clifton or Vineland?

Clifton has a higher median medical assistant salary at $54,229/year, compared to Vineland at $47,614/year — a difference of $6,615 (13.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clifton and Vineland?

Clifton medical assistants earn $26.07/hr while Vineland hygienists earn $22.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clifton to Vineland as a medical assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clifton and Vineland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clifton = $47,074, Vineland = $49,614), job availability (14 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Clifton vs Vineland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical assistants earn $44,408 in Clifton and $37,453 in Vineland. The Clifton area offers higher starting salaries.
EC

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.

Clinically reviewed by Carlos Rodriguez, RMAData verified by Sofia Patel, CCMA

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