Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $26.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Clifton, NJ runs $26.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,541 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clifton, New Jersey, the medical assistant hourly pay stands at $26.07, significantly higher than the national median of $23.06. This elevated hourly rate positions local medical assistants well above many of their counterparts across the country, reflecting the region's demand for skilled healthcare support. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, this translates to a solid income, especially for those considering per-diem roles in diverse settings such as primary care exam rooms or specialty practice procedure rooms. With an hourly range from $21.35 for entry-level positions to as much as $35.04 for top earners, the profession offers considerable earning potential in this bustling city.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.35 | $170.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.34 | $178.70 |
| Median (P50) | $26.07 | $208.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.33 | $218.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.04 | $280.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $26.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.07/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,235 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,289. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,042.98 | $4,520 | $54,235 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $625.79 | $2,712 | $32,541 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.19 | $1,808 | $21,694 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Clifton) | $26.07 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $54,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $55,279.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.07/hr = $32,541/year (purchasing power: $28,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,235/year (purchasing power: $47,079).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Clifton grew 31.3% from $18.92/hr (2019) to $24.84/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.37/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Clifton
Considering part-time schedules, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $32,794 annually, highlighting how flexible hours can complement personal needs or further education. The per diem workforce often sees varying medical assistant pay in Clifton, with rates ranging from $20 to $30 per hour, while those in specialty practices can earn more, often reaching $25 to $38 per hour. Urgent care facilities like CityMD might also offer additional stipends for longer shifts, enhancing the overall earnings. Different employer types in Clifton impact pay rates, as primary care offices may offer lower hourly wages compared to specialty and urgent care facilities. Some medical assistants may opt for positions that provide benefits despite a lower hourly wage, ensuring financial stability while weighing the trade-offs in their careers. To enhance earning prospects, medical assistants can negotiate for higher pay or consider advanced certification paths endorsed by organizations like AAMA and AMT, further positioning themselves for opportunities in a rapidly growing field.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Clifton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clifton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov