Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) salary in Buffalo, NY (2026)
How much does a certified medical assistant (cma) make in Buffalo, NY? Pay ranges, what influences compensation, and tips for applying.
Data as of March 2026
| Source | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
 Indeed | — | $20.58/hr |
 ZipRecruiter | — | $20.13/hr |
 Salary.com | $92,294 | $21.00/hr |
Compensation snapshot
Combined from reported medians, percentile spreads, salary floors/ceilings, and hourly rates across aggregated market samples (sources not shown).
At a glance
A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) supports clinicians by taking patient vitals, preparing exam rooms, and assisting with routine clinical tasks. They also help with administrative duties such as scheduling, documenting patient information, and managing basic front-office workflows in healthcare settings.
What moves the number
- Certification Status: Holding a current CMA certification typically results in higher pay compared to non-certified medical assistants due to demonstrated validated skills.
- Experience Level: More years of experience, especially beyond 5 years, correlate with increased salaries as CMAs take on greater responsibilities and expertise.
- Work Setting and Specialty: CMAs working in specialized clinics like dermatology or oncology can earn more than those in general practice due to specialized knowledge demands.
- Geographic Location: CMAs employed in metropolitan areas such as Dallas or Austin tend to have higher salaries because of greater demand and cost of living adjustments.
Applying for this role
Prepare to demonstrate hands-on clinical skills like vitals collection and basic patient intake, along with familiarity with electronic health records if you have them. Bring proof of CMA certification and be ready to describe experience in both clinical support and patient-facing communication in a fast-paced clinic.