Skip to main content

Medical Assistant Salary in Buffalo, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Buffalo's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Buffalo β€” Key Numbers

$36,960
Median Salary
$31,645
25th Percentile
$43,622
75th Percentile
$50,899
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-12.0%
Buffalo median household income$52,400
vs. City household income-29.5%

Cost of Living in Buffalo

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,125/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio36.5%
Annual rent cost$13,500
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary5.8Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Buffalo

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
1,200,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
36.2
Median Age

Buffalo has a metro population of 1,200,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Medical Assistant make in Buffalo, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Buffalo is $36,960 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Buffalo's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $31,645 (25th percentile) to $43,622 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $50,899.

Is Buffalo affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $36,960 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Buffalo would spend approximately 36.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,125/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Medical Assistants in Buffalo may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $215,000 is 5.8Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Medical Assistant's salary compare to Buffalo's overall income?

Buffalo's median household income is $52,400. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $36,960 earns 29.5% less than the typical Buffalo household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Buffalo has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.