New York vs Rochester: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between New York, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,774▲ | $43,783 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.42▲ | $21.05 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,248 | $40,036▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,265▲ | $41,211 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,193▲ | $48,612 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,888▲ | $50,396 |
| Total Employed | 44,060▲ | 1,890 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $6,991 (15.97%). New York's median is +5.87% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $23,640,Rochester spans $10,360. New York 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 0.03% more than New York ($45,107 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,888)
- ✓Larger job market (44,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓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 New York grew 27.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$37,910 (2019) → $48,370 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$32,810 (2019) → $41,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: New York or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Rochester?
Should I relocate from New York to Rochester as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in New York vs 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