Medical Assistant Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $55,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $55,757/year (≈ $26.81/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $48,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical assistants in Elizabeth, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $55,757, reflecting a robust earning potential compared to the national median of $47,961. The salary range for this role in Elizabeth spans from $45,219 at the low end (P10) to $75,250 at the high end (P90), offering diverse financial opportunities based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments specific to New Jersey, which has a cost of living index of 115.2, indicating that living expenses are above the national average. As the demand for medical assistants continues to grow, particularly due to emerging roles that facilitate transitions to LPN or RN positions, the Elizabeth job market is expected to provide competitive salaries reflective of this evolving healthcare environment.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,219 | $21.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,822 | $22.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,757 | $26.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,708 | $29.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,250 | $36.17 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,031 (2026 est.). At $55,757, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $55,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $55,260 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $47,961 | +16.25% more |
Medical Assistants in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $55,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $55,260.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,757 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,400 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,457
2025 BLS Actual
$53,117
2026 Current Est.
$55,757
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,491 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,827 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,117 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,528 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $40,457 (2019) to $53,117 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,528 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,071 (44.67%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,219 – $47,822 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,822 – $55,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,757 – $61,708 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,708 – $75,250 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Elizabeth
The local job market in Elizabeth employs around 25 medical assistants, showcasing a consistent demand for these healthcare professionals. While the cost of living impacts overall income, it also affects take-home pay; medical assistants will find that their increased salaries may be necessary to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Employers that yield the highest compensation typically include specialty practices such as dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics. Factors driving pay variations encompass the specialty practice premium, which often results in salaries that can exceed standard rates by 20-40%, as well as bilingual skills and certifications like phlebotomy or EKG. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Elizabeth, pursuing additional certifications and focusing on high-demand specialties can offer significant financial benefits, positioning them favorably within a competitive healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Elizabeth, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $53,117 for medical assistantsin the Elizabeth metropolitan area. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elizabeth 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