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Healthcare Support · New York

How to Become a Medical Assistants in New York

Medical Assistants in New York earn a median salary of $46,040/year, which is 4% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~4.2%. After taxes and rent, a medical assistants takes home approximately $1,680/month. Most positions require Postsecondary nondegree award.

$46K
Median salary in New York
+4%
vs. national average
4.2%
State income tax
39,250
Employed in New York

What a medical assistants can afford in New York

Gross annual salary$46,040
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 4.2% state tax)$3,092/mo
Median 2BR rent (New York)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home45.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$46,040/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,680/mo

Becoming a medical assistants in New York

1

Meet education requirements

Medical Assistants positions in New York typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many medical assistants positions in New York require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain New York licensure or certification

New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for medical assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in New York

New York employs 39,250 medical assistants. The highest concentrations are in Ithaca and New York-Newark-Jersey City.

Medical Assistants salary by metro area in New York

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Ithaca$49K$23.49/hr240
New York-Newark-Jersey City$47K$22.55/hr45,710
Buffalo-Cheektowaga$45K$21.62/hr2,050
Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh$44K$21.22/hr970
Glens Falls$44K$20.98/hr140
Rochester$43K$20.78/hr1,820
Albany-Schenectady-Troy$42K$20.13/hr1,530
Utica-Rome$42K$19.99/hr230
Syracuse$41K$19.68/hr1,110
Kingston$40K$19.23/hr130
Binghamton$40K$19.01/hr320
Elmira$39K$18.67/hr180
Watertown-Fort Drum$38K$18.23/hr100

Medical Assistants salary range in New York

10th percentile (entry)
$37K
25th percentile
$41K
Median (50th)
$46K
75th percentile
$54K
90th percentile (senior)
$58K
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Full medical assistants salary breakdown in New York
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a medical assistants make in New York?

The median medical assistants salary in New York is $46,040 per year ($22.14/hr). This is 4% above the national median of $44,200. Salaries range from $36,980 to $58,250.

What are the requirements to become a medical assistants in New York?

Medical Assistants positions in New York typically require Postsecondary nondegree award. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a medical assistants afford to live in New York?

At the median salary of $46,040, a medical assistants in New York would take home approximately $3,092/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 45.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for medical assistants in New York?

The highest paying metro areas for medical assistants in New York are Ithaca ($48,860), New York-Newark-Jersey City ($46,890), Buffalo-Cheektowaga ($44,960). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does New York have state income tax for medical assistants?

Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 4.2%. On a $46,040 salary, this means roughly $1,927/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.