Are Medical Assistants in Demand in NJ?

Medical assistants are in demand across the country¹, but in New Jersey, demand for medical assistants is even higher than the national average with more than 20,000 jobs anticipated by 2032². Healthcare expansion, an aging population, and ongoing staffing shortages across the state keep medical assistant roles in steady need. If you want to help others and work directly with patients, a medical assistant career might be a good fit.

Why Medical Assistants Are in Demand in New Jersey

New Jersey’s healthcare system stays busy. Dense population centers, a large aging demographic, and a strong outpatient care network all contribute to consistent hiring for medical assistants.

Nationally, employment for medical assistants is projected to grow much faster than average (at 13%) through 2034¹. And in New Jersey, that growth rate jumps to 18% through 2032². The state’s high concentration of hospitals, physician offices, urgent care clinics, and specialty practices contribute to the high demand for medical assistants in New Jersey. But several other long-term trends explain why employers across New Jersey keep hiring medical assistants.

A Growing Population in New Jersey

New Jersey is in the midst of a population boom, leading the Northeast for year-over-year growth and ranking 10th in the nation for growth. And at #47 for land mass, New Jersey nonetheless stands at #11 for its population. The more people a state has, the more services needed to help them, and that’s especially true for healthcare.

An Aging Population in New Jersey

Older adults need more frequent medical care. And while there is already a large senior population in the U.S., by 2034, adults 65 and older will outnumber children. That aging trend is prevalent across the country. While New Jersey currently ranks near the middle for population of 65+ adults in the country, by 2034 the state will have more 60+ year old residents than school-aged children.

Older New Jersey residents require more routine medical visits to manage chronic health conditions and prevent illness. Medical assistants support these visits by taking vital signs, updating records, and preparing patients, which helps practices keep up with patient volume.

Physician and Nurse Shortages

Healthcare staffing shortages put pressure on medical practices. A national shortage of up to 86,000 physicians is projected by 2036. While medical assistants cannot perform the duties of a doctor, when doctors face heavier caseloads, they rely more on medical assistants to handle clinical and administrative tasks efficiently.

Growth of Outpatient Care

Many procedures that once only occurred in large hospitals now happen at smaller outpatient centers. Clinics, urgent care centers, and specialty practices continue to expand across New Jersey. Medical assistants play a key role in these settings by supporting patient flow, assisting with exams, and handling lab work.

Where Medical Assistants Work in New Jersey

Medical assistants in New Jersey find opportunities in a wide range of healthcare settings. Common employers include:

• Primary care and specialty physician offices
• Urgent care clinics
• Outpatient surgery centers
• Hospitals and hospital-owned practices
• Chiropractic and specialty clinics

Urban and suburban areas often show the highest job concentrations due to population density and healthcare infrastructure. Companies that hire medical assistants in NJ include such healthcare facilities as:

• AFC Urgent Care
• Alliance OB/GYN
• Cooper University Hospital
• Excel Urgent Care
• Health Pediatrics at Old Bridge
• Summit Health
• Village MD

How Much Medical Assistants Earn in NJ

Earnings vary by location, experience, and workplace setting. In New Jersey, medical assistants typically earn higher wages than the national average. Onetonline.org is one source of wage data for Medical Assistants². We encourage students to also review BLS.GOV and careeronestop.org for more information on salary expectations.

Certifications and experience can also raise earning potential. Many employers prefer or require credentials such as Certified Medical Assistant or Registered Medical Assistant, which can open the door to higher pay and more responsibility.

Is Medical Assisting a Good Long-Term Career Choice in NJ?

Medical assisting offers stability, flexibility, and room to grow. Strong demand means consistent job openings, even during economic shifts. Many medical assistants also use the role as a steppingstone into other healthcare careers.

With experience and additional training, you may move into roles such as lead medical assistant, office manager, or specialized technician. Some medical assistants later pursue nursing or healthcare administration programs, building on the skills they already use daily.

Medical Assistant Training Matters

Even with strong demand, employers look for candidates who bring hands-on skills and real clinical exposure. Completing a structured training program helps you learn patient care, medical terminology, and office procedures before entering the workforce.

Accredited programs also help prepare students for certification exams, which many New Jersey employers value when hiring.

Are you interested in a medical assistant career? Lincoln Tech’s New Jersey campuses offer Medical Assistant training programs in Moorestown, Iselin and Paramus. Our programs combine classroom instruction, hands-on lab experience, and a clinical internship. Fill out the form on this page to learn more about program options, career outcomes, and next steps.

¹ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm, Retrieved on December 12, 2025

² O-Net Online, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-9092.00?st=NJ, Retrieved on December 12, 2025