Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakewood, NJ: $26.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Lakewood, NJ runs $26.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lakewood, New Jersey, the projected median hourly pay for medical assistants in 2026 is $26.36, significantly higher than the national median of $23.06. This elevated pay reflects the cost of living in the region and the increasing demand for healthcare professionals. For part-time medical assistants working three days a week, this rate translates to a practical income, allowing for reasonable earnings while managing flexible schedules. Per-diem roles, often found in settings such as urgent care facilities, specialty clinics, and corporate health environments, fall within an hourly range from $20.78 to $35.65, providing entry-level MAs with the opportunity to grow into more lucrative positions within the field. The diversity in the work environment—from primary care exam rooms to urgent care intake stations—also impacts earning potential, particularly for those who opt for positions in more specialized practices which may offer higher hourly wages.
About the Lakewood 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) | $20.78 | $166.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.08 | $176.60 |
| Median (P50) | $26.36 | $210.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.21 | $233.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.65 | $285.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $26.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.36/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, NJ can expect to earn approximately $54,825 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,630. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,054.32 | $4,569 | $54,825 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $632.59 | $2,741 | $32,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.73 | $1,827 | $21,930 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Lakewood) | $26.36 |
| 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 Lakewood, NJ earn a median of $54,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.30% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 0.80% below the New Jersey state average of $55,262.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.36/hr = $32,895/year (purchasing power: $28,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,825/year (purchasing power: $47,591).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Lakewood grew 31.3% from $19.13/hr (2019) to $25.11/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.67/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
Considering part-time work, a medical assistant working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $33,763 annually. This figure is markedly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet offers flexibility that many seek in the healthcare industry. Per diem medical assistants in Lakewood typically command billing rates between $20 to $30 an hour; however, those in specialty practices like dermatology or plastic surgery can earn between $25 to $38 per hour, reflecting the premium associated with specialized skills. Urgent care facilities may even offer additional stipends for longer shifts, ranging from $50 to $150 per shift, further enhancing daily earnings. The variety of employer settings impacts hourly rates considerably—those in primary care tend to earn less compared to their peers in urgent care or specialty practices. While some medical assistants may accept lower hourly wages for the stability of benefits such as health insurance, others prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating pay in Lakewood can be effective, especially for skilled professionals keen to showcase their credentials from recognized certifying bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, and NCCT, given the competitive nature of the local job market.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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