Medical Assisting Education & Careers
What can you earn as a medical assistant in Texas?
In the vast and diverse state of Texas, medical assistants play a crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem. Understanding the intricacies of medical assistant salaries is key for those embarking on or advancing in this rewarding career.
This article unveils the latest insights into median salaries, influencing factors, top employers, legal considerations, educational requirements, the significance of professional certification and how to access the supportive professional groups available for medical assistants in the state.
Overview of MA pay in TX
There are roughly 66,720 people employed as medical assistants in Texas says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This makes it the #2 state in the U.S. for the employment of medical assistants after California. The median hourly wage is $18 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 13.9%.
Some of the biggest employers of medical assistants in the state of Texas include:
- Houston Methodist Hospital: Seven locations throughout the Houston, TX, area. As a renowned academic medical center, Houston Methodist Hospital offers medical assistants a dynamic work environment and diverse opportunities for career growth.
- UT Southwestern Medical Center: Dallas, TX. This academic (University of Texas) medical center provides medical assistants with exposure to cutting-edge research and a range of specialties.
- Baylor Scott & White Health: Dallas, TX. This not-for-profit healthcare system, one of the largest in Texas, offers medical assistants opportunities across a wide network of hospitals and clinics.
- Texas Health Resources: Arlington, TX, and other northern TX locations. With a commitment to community health, faith-based Texas Health Resources provides medical assistants with a variety of roles in patient-centered care.
- Christus Health Systems: Irving and San Antonio, TX, and other locations. Operating in multiple regions of Texas, Christus Health offers medical assistants the chance to contribute to the well-being of diverse communities.
How much do medical assistants make in Texas?
While the median national salary for medical assistants is $42,000 a year, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live, how much experience you have, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of medical assisting education. Here’s how medical assistant salaries compare with some other entry-level healthcare careers:
Median medical assistant salary in Texas
The median annual salary for medical assisting professionals in Texas is $37,570. The Texas landscape, both geographically and economically, influences medical assistant salaries. Factors such as experience, location (urban versus rural), the type of healthcare facility and demand for specialized skills contribute to the variance in pay scales. As medical assistants gain experience or pursue additional certifications, their earning potential may increase.
Along with salary, medical assistants in Texas may receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off.
10%$29,640
25%$35,140
50%$37,570Median
75%$44,270
90%$47,010
Median Hourly Wage$18
Job growth13.9%
Total Employment66,720
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | $44,880 | $35,860 | $47,880 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $39,240 | $34,840 | $47,440 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | $38,810 | $30,940 | $48,420 |
| Midland, TX | $38,570 | $34,400 | $45,980 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $37,550 | $31,520 | $44,570 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | $36,970 | $29,310 | $44,490 |
| Waco, TX | $36,440 | $29,170 | $43,850 |
| San Angelo, TX | $36,400 | $29,290 | $43,020 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | $36,280 | $30,600 | $47,360 |
| Tyler, TX | $35,990 | $29,770 | $43,830 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 median salary; projected job growth through 2032. Actual salaries 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 ranges for a medical assisting career in Texas
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical assistants in Texas may earn anywhere from $29,000 to $35,000 for entry-level roles to between $37,000–$44,000 for those who have a few years of experience. Medical assistants in senior roles, who may have several years of experience and education, may earn a median of over $47,000 in Texas. While these figures provides a baseline, it’s equally important to explore the salary ranges to comprehend the diverse compensation scenarios within the state.
Pay by metro area within the state of Texas
Your earning level may depend upon where you live within a state. For example, cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas. If your city is an industry hub, say for example you work in Houston, Dallas or San Antonio, where there are several high-profile, university-affiliated medical facilities and hospitals, pay may be more competitive. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as highest paying cities in the U.S. As you can see, Texas metro areas don’t rank in the top 10 for pay, but the BLS does say the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metro area ranks #3 for the highest employment level in medical assistants in the U.S. Houston-Woodlands-Sugar Land area ranks #6 for highest employment.
Factors that may affect medical assisting salaries in Texas
In Texas, medical assistant salaries are influenced by factors such as experience, certifications and regional demand. Other factors may include:
- High demand: The state’s growing population and diverse healthcare needs create a high demand for qualified medical assistants. It’s important to note that Texas has a high growth rate of 1.6%, which is the third highest in the country behind South Carolina and Florida, says the Texas Tribune.
- Cost of living: Texas’ as a whole, has a relatively lower cost of living which may influence salary, while in higher-than-average cities such as Austin and Plano, medical assistants may earn more to accommodate the higher costs in housing and healthcare.
- Industry diversity: The state’s diverse healthcare landscape, including prestigious medical institutions and private practices, contributes to varied and competitive compensation.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a medical assistant in Texas?
If you think you may be earning lesser wages than someone doing the same job, first research pay ranges in your area using online tools such as LinkedIn, the BLS and ZipRecruiter.
You can talk to people in your network who are also medical assistants. Also, utilize the HR department in your workplace. They are trained to understand all of the nuances and laws that impact pay and titles.
If discrepancies in pay arise, Texas labor laws, such as Texas Labor Code, Chapter 21 provide avenues for resolution. The Texas Workforce Commission oversees fair pay regulations, and individuals can file complaints online for timely resolution.
Education and training for medical assisting in TX
To become a medical assistant in Texas, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Completing a medical assistant training program or associate degree enhances qualifications. Professional certification, such as Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), not only demonstrates competence but may also open doors to career advancement and increased earning potential.
Cost of living considerations for Texas
Texas’ cost of living is lower than the national average, though most major cities are higher than average, which is not unusual. When evaluating salary offers, considerations should include housing, transportation and daily expenses.
RentCafe says that the cost of living in Texas is 8% lower than the national average, with housing 16% lower, and healthcare at 6% lower. Some of the major cities in Texas look like this:
| Texas City | Cost of living % |
|---|---|
| Austin | 10% higher |
| El Paso | 3% lower |
| Dallas | 11% higher |
| Houston | 1% higher |
| San Antonio | 0% higher |
| Plano | 32% higher |
| Fort Worth | 3% higher |
| Corpus Christi | 2% lower |
Texas professional associations and networking
Groups may offer networking opportunities, professional development resources and a supportive community for medical assistants in Texas. Here is the Texas chapter of the American Association of Medical Assistants:
- Texas Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA): TSMA, affiliated with the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), offers networking opportunities, continuing education and advocacy for medical assistants in Texas.
Navigating the landscape of medical assistant salaries in Texas requires a nuanced understanding of influencing factors, legal protections and opportunities for professional development. With a commitment to education, certification and involvement in supportive professional groups, medical assistants in the Lone Star State can contribute significantly to healthcare and confidently advance their careers.
This medical assistant salary guide for Texas aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the medical assisting profession. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path, negotiating salaries and for setting realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.
Find medical assistant salaries for other states
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—especially in healthcare roles—and much more.
Written and reported by:
My Medical Assisting Degree Staff
Published: February 1, 2024