Entry-Level Medical Assistant Salary in Cherry Hill, NJ: $42,870 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical assistants entering the Cherry Hill, NJ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,870 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-9092, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cherry Hill's local price level (BEA RPP 115.2 — 15% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,214 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,676) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical assistant field in Cherry Hill can expect a starting salary around $42,870. This amount marks a significant entry-point in a market where the median annual salary reaches $53,676, resulting in an approximate $10,000 gap. Entry-level professionals can anticipate a gradual increase as they progress in their careers, with realistic growth from $42,870 to more than $57,671 in their first three to five years. Given Cherry Hill's projected job growth of 4.97%, it's currently a favorable market for those about to begin their careers as medical assistants. New graduates should be aware of the competitive landscape and prepare to take advantage of the opportunities available in this thriving healthcare environment.
About the Cherry Hill Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cherry Hill
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cherry Hill
Entry-level medical assistants in Cherry Hill, NJ typically start between $42,870 and $45,346 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,236 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,676 — 11.92% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical assisting program cost in New Jersey of $11,000 represents just 25.66% of the starting medical assistant pay ($42,870/year) in Cherry Hill. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP and ABHES-accredited medical assisting program data and community college tuition surveys. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college, private vocational) and program length.
MA, CMA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cherry Hill
- 1Research the Cherry Hill market: entry-level medical assistant pay ranges from $42,870 to $45,346, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical assisting field — employers in NJ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cherry Hill, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cherry Hill for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Cherry Hill's above-average cost of living (index: 115.2) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Assistant Compensation Range
The medical assistant wage spread in Cherry Hill is $26,236 ( 61.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,870, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,106.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,251
2025 BLS Actual
$40,840
2026 Current Est.
$42,870
2019–2027 Growth
+53.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Cherry Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,251 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,428 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,951 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,870 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,000 | Projected |
Entry-level medical assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Cherry Hill, NJ grew 39.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,251 in 2019 to $40,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,000. New graduates entering the Cherry Hill job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cherry Hill 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.
Starting Your medical assisting Career in Cherry Hill
The demand for entry-level medical assistants in Cherry Hill is primarily driven by local healthcare providers, such as primary care offices and urgent care chains, which actively recruit recent graduates due to their robust onboarding programs. Specialty practices, like dermatology and orthopedics, typically require some experience, while Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) often present attractive options with benefits like loan repayment assistance and roles that favor bilingual candidates. Graduates who possess a diploma or associate degree from an accredited medical assistant program, alongside certification from recognized bodies such as AAMA or AMT, may significantly boost their starting salaries. The importance of additional training, such as phlebotomy or EKG certification, cannot be overlooked. In the first one to three years, those who remain proactive in their professional development will likely see steady salary growth, putting comprehensive workforce expansion trends in their favor, especially as primary care and urgent care settings continue to expand in Cherry Hill.
More salary data for Cherry Hill, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical assisting graduates. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cherry Hill. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cherry Hill 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