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

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Rochester's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Medical Assistant Salary in Rochester β€” Key Numbers

$36,120
Median Salary
$30,926
25th Percentile
$42,630
75th Percentile
$49,742
90th Percentile
National median (Medical Assistant)$42,000
vs. National median-14.0%
Rochester median household income$56,200
vs. City household income-35.7%

Cost of Living in Rochester

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,250/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio41.5%
Annual rent cost$15,000
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary5.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.1 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 Rochester

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,090,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Rochester has a metro population of 1,090,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated median salary for a Medical Assistant in Rochester is $36,120 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $42,000 adjusted by Rochester's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $30,926 (25th percentile) to $42,630 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $49,742.

Is Rochester affordable for a Medical Assistant?

On a $36,120 annual salary, a Medical Assistant in Rochester would spend approximately 41.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,250/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Medical Assistants in Rochester may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $185,000 is 5.1Γ— the annual salary.

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

Rochester's median household income is $56,200. A Medical Assistant earning the city-adjusted median of $36,120 earns 35.7% less than the typical Rochester household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Rochester 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.