Hempstead vs Rochester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Hempstead, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hempstead, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,846▲ | $43,783 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.56▲ | $21.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,381 | $40,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,559 | $41,211▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,838▲ | $48,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,828▲ | $50,396 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Hempstead, NY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Hempstead and Rochester is $1,063 (2.43%). Hempstead's median is -6.49% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hempstead spans $23,447,Rochester spans $10,360. Hempstead 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, Rochester ($45,121 effective) pays 16.61% more than Hempstead ($38,694 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hempstead if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,828)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,121)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Hempstead grew -13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Hempstead, NY
$49,236 (2024) → $42,723 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$32,810 (2019) → $41,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hempstead, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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