Montclair vs Trenton: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Montclair, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Montclair, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,706▲ | $48,234 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.31▲ | $23.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,091▲ | $38,230 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,339▲ | $41,673 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,207▲ | $51,960 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,198▲ | $57,104 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Montclair, NJ offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.
The salary gap between Montclair and Trenton is $6,472 (13.42%). Montclair's median is +14.06% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Montclair spans $23,107,Trenton spans $18,874. Montclair 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, Montclair ($47,488 effective) pays 1.58% more than Trenton ($46,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Montclair if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,706/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,198)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,488)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Montclair grew 3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Montclair, NJ
$50,188 (2024) → $52,116 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$37,490 (2019) → $45,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Montclair, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Montclair or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Montclair and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Montclair to Trenton as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Montclair vs Trenton?
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