Rochester vs Watertown: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,783▲ | $41,054 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.05▲ | $19.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,036▲ | $33,842 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,211▲ | $39,878 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,612▲ | $45,641 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,396▲ | $48,391 |
| Total Employed | 1,890▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $2,729 (6.65%). Rochester's median is -8.71% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $10,360,Watertown spans $14,549. Watertown 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, Watertown ($46,817 effective) pays 3.76% 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 Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,396)
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,817)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Rochester grew 27.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$32,810 (2019) → $41,710 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$29,280 (2019) → $39,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Rochester vs Watertown?
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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