In this Article
By: All Allied Health Staff
Medical assistants play a vital role in Texas’s fast-growing healthcare industry, providing clinical and administrative support in settings ranging from hospitals to private practices. As demand for healthcare services rises across the state, so does interest in the earning potential for this essential profession. Salaries for medical assistants in Texas vary based on factors such as location, experience, certification and workplace setting, offering a broad picture of opportunities for those entering the field.
Navigating the complex salary landscape for medical assistants in a state as large and diverse as Texas requires careful consideration. This guide delves into the key factors affecting salaries in Texas, empowering students to make informed decisions about their education and career goals.
Snapshot of medical assistants in Texas
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 72,280 medical assistants in Texas, making it the second highest state for employment, just after California. The median hourly wage is $19 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.5%.
Some of the biggest employers in the state of Texas may include:
- Texas Health Resources–Arlington and North Texas:
- Medical assistants at Texas Health Resources work across more than 250 locations, supporting over 800 providers in 59 medical specialties. They assist in both clinical and administrative tasks, including taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations and managing medical records.
- Houston Methodist–Houston, The Woodland, Sugar Land, Baytown:
- Medical assistants at Houston Methodist are integral to patient care teams, performing duties such as recording patient histories, measuring vital signs, assisting with procedures and coordinating patient flow. They work in various specialties, including orthopedics, cardiology and primary care.
- UT Southwestern Medical Center–Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco, Irving, Plano:
- Certified medical assistants at UT Southwestern support ambulatory teams by recording patient histories, taking vital signs, assisting with minor procedures and managing administrative tasks like scheduling and referrals. They receive comprehensive training, including orientation and practical clinic experience.
- Memorial Hermann Health System–Houston and Southeast Texas:
- Medical assistants at Memorial Hermann work in various settings, including hospitals and specialty institutes. They perform clinical tasks such as preparing patients for exams, collecting specimens and assisting with procedures, as well as administrative duties like scheduling and patient education.
- South Texas Medical Center–San Antonio and surrounding district:
- Within the South Texas Medical Center, medical assistants are employed across various facilities, supporting healthcare teams by performing clinical duties like taking vital signs and assisting with procedures, as well as administrative tasks such as managing patient records and coordinating appointments.
Medical assistant salary: Texas stats
Medical assistants earned a median national salary of $44,200 in 2024, said the BLS. Actual pay can deviate significantly based on factors such as location of your workplace, years of experience, earned professional certifications and your educational background.
Median salary for medical assistants in Texas
In the Lone Star State, the typical yearly wages for medical assistants is $38,930. However, remember that salaries might fluctuate based on varying factors. Here are salaries for Texas and its top-paying areas:
Medical Assistants
10%$30,160
25%$35,980
50%$38,930Median
75%$45,840
90%$48,350
Median Hourly Wage$19
Job growth12.5%
Total Employment72,280
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $45,220 | $37,100 | $53,050 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $42,930 | $31,220 | $48,350 |
| Midland, TX | $42,870 | $36,850 | $47,040 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $40,160 | $30,720 | $50,050 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $39,970 | $35,550 | $45,840 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $39,080 | $30,490 | $45,190 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | $38,790 | $31,220 | $46,840 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $38,410 | $34,830 | $47,800 |
| Waco, TX | $38,350 | $30,930 | $46,440 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | $37,610 | $30,520 | $48,320 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries may vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for medical assistants in Texas
Within the state of Texas, medical assistants can expect to earn anywhere between $30,160 and $48,350 annually. This wide range encompasses entry-level positions all the way up to senior-level and management roles, and takes into account factors such as employment status (self-employed vs. company employee, full time vs. part time), credentials pursued and duration in the position.
Employment by metro area
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within Texas. Logically, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in medical assisting and you live in a city that has several high-profile hospitals or healthcare industries, pay may be more competitive. Texas sports several metro areas that employ a high number of medical assistants, with the BLS reporting the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington area holding the number three spot in the country, and the Houston-The Woodlands-Pasadena area holding the number seven slot. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as the highest employment numbers for the top 10 cities in the U.S.
Texas job outlook and growth
With a job growth rate of 12.5% nationally through 2034, Texas holds even more potential for medical assistants. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, reported Texas will enjoy a 29% job growth rate through 2030, much greater than the national average, and employ an additional 11,640 medical assistants during that same timeframe.
Factors affecting medical assistant salaries in Texas
Three key factors that specifically impact medical assistant salary levels in Texas are:
Geographic location:
Salaries can vary significantly depending on the region. Urban areas like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio may offer higher wages due to higher living costs and greater demand for healthcare services, while rural regions often pay less.
Experience and certification:
Medical assistants with more years of experience or those who hold certifications—such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)—may earn higher wages than those without. Employers often reward specialized training and proven competence with better pay.
Employer type or facility:
Medical assistants working in hospitals or specialty clinics such as cardiology or orthopedics, may earn more than those employed in small private practices or outpatient care centers. Larger healthcare systems also tend to offer more competitive salaries and benefits packages.
Why is Texas a good state to be a medical assistant?
The primary and best reason to become a medical assistant in Texas is the state’s rapidly expanding healthcare industry, driven by a large, diverse and growing population—which creates job opportunities, strong demand and long-term career stability.
Why Texas stands out from other states:
- Flexible entry and growth: Texas offers relatively affordable training options and a clear path to upward mobility in the healthcare field, from entry-level roles to specialized or administrative positions.
- High demand across major cities: Texas is home to several of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., such as Dallas–Fort Worth, Houston and Austin, each with major hospital systems and specialty clinics that frequently hire.
- No state income tax: Unlike many other states, Texas does not tax personal income—so medical assistants may take home more of their paycheck.
- Renowned healthcare networks: Texas is home to world-renowned institutions, such as the Texas Medical Center in Houston which is the largest in the world, giving medical assistants access to top-tier training, career advancement and specialized experience.
Texas education and training
To become a medical assistant in Texas, you typically follow this education and training path:
1. High school diploma or GED
- Required as a basic entry point.
- High school coursework in biology, anatomy and basic computer skills can be helpful.
2. Complete a medical assisting education program
- Duration: 9 months to 2 years
- Where: Community colleges, vocational schools or technical institutes across Texas
- Program types include a certificate or diploma, which takes between nine and 12 months to complete, or a two-year associate degree, which may lead to better advancement opportunities and includes clinical training, anatomy, medical terminology, administrative procedures and often an externship
3. Certification (optional but recommended)
Although Texas does not require certification, most employers prefer or require it. Top certifications include:
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)–Offered by the AAMA
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)–Offered by AMT
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)–Offered by NCCT
To qualify for certification exams, you must complete an accredited medical assisting program (CAAHEP or ABHES approved).
4. Apply for available positions
Some employers in Texas may offer on-the-job training or tuition assistance for continuing education, and entry-level positions are mostly available in hospitals, clinics and private practices.
State salary guides for medical assistants
Trying to figure out where to begin or further your medical assistant career? Salary may be a consideration when choosing where to practice your allied healthcare career, so doing your research is important. Here are salary guides for some popular states:
Cost of living considerations for Texans
Texas generally ranks moderately low to average for cost of living compared to other U.S. states, making it a relatively affordable place to live—especially important for medical assistants earning entry- to mid-level salaries. Here are some statistics:
- Overall rank: Texas is typically ranked in the middle third of U.S. states for cost of living (roughly 20th–30th, depending on the source).
- No state income tax: This directly boosts take-home pay, which is a key advantage over states like California or New York.
- Housing: Affordable in most areas outside of Austin. Median rent and home prices are generally below the national average in cities like San Antonio, El Paso and Lubbock.
- Utilities and transportation: Reasonably priced, though summer air conditioning costs may be high in some regions.
On a medical assistant’s salary
A medical assistant’s salary can cover basic living expenses in most parts of Texas, especially in lower-cost cities such as Corpus Christi or Waco. It’s tighter in high-cost areas like Austin but still more manageable than coastal states. Bottom line is Texas is a smart choice for someone entering the healthcare workforce and looking to build financial stability.
Texas medical assistant associations
Joining professional associations, networking groups, or industry events that cater to medical assistants in Texas can help students and working professionals connect with their communities, access resources and stay updated on industry developments within the state. These groups are excellent for staying current on certification requirements, connecting with peers and growing professionally within Texas.
Texas Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA):
Offers state-level advocacy, annual conferences, continuing education and networking opportunities for certified and non-certified medical assistants.
American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA):
The national society for medical assistants (of which TSMA is the state chapter), AAMA is the largest association dedicated to the advancement of the medical assisting profession in the U.S. Their goal is to provide the medical assistant professional with education, certification, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection and advocacy.