John BlessingMedical assistants are essential members of the healthcare team, performing both administrative and clinical duties under the supervision of physicians and nurses. In Texas, the demand for medical assistants remains strong, with over 11,000 annual openings projected across the state.
Salaries for medical assistants vary depending on location, experience, certification, and practice setting, with the statewide average ranging from approximately $38,000 to $45,000 per year. This comprehensive guide covers medical assistant salaries in Texas, drawing on salary survey data and industry compensation analyses.
MEDICAL ASSISTANT SALARY IN TEXAS
1. Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average
The average salary for a Medical Assistant in Texas is $44,673 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21. The typical salary range shows top earners making $53,199, the majority range between $40,552 and $49,136, and entry-level at $36,800.
2. Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average (Alternative Estimate)
Another salary analysis reports that the average medical assistant salary in Texas is $41,240 per year, based on data covering 75,340 employed medical assistants across the state. This figure is lower than other estimates, reflecting differences in data sources and methodologies.
3. Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average (Median Salary)
The median salary for medical assistants in Texas is $37,568, according to state workforce data. This figure represents the midpoint of the salary range, with half of all medical assistants earning more and half earning less.
4. Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average (Job Posting Data)
Job posting data reports that the average base salary for a medical assistant in Texas is $18.08 per hour, with a low of $13.49 and a high of $24.22. This is 15% below the national average, based on thousands of salaries taken from job postings over the past 36 months.
5. Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average (Survey Data)
Survey data reports that the average annual pay for a medical assistant in Texas is $38,542 per year, or approximately $18.53 per hour. Salaries range as high as $52,638 and as low as $25,155, with the majority ranging between $33,100 and $42,400. Top earners make $48,446 annually.
6. Medical Assistant – Austin
In Austin, the average medical assistant salary is $45,390 per year, making it the highest-paying major city in Texas for this role. The cost of living in Austin is higher than in other Texas cities, which influences the salary premium.
7. Medical Assistant – Dallas
In Dallas, the average medical assistant salary is $43,810 per year. A certified medical assistant in Dallas earns an average of $43,237 per year, or $20.79 per hour, with an average bonus of $673. Entry-level certified medical assistants earn $33,168, while senior-level earn $48,304.
8. Medical Assistant – Houston
In Houston, the average medical assistant salary is $41,590 per year. Job postings in the Houston area list hourly rates ranging from $19 to $20 for some positions, with higher rates for specialized roles.
9. Medical Assistant – San Antonio
In San Antonio, the average medical assistant salary is $41,480 per year. Job postings in the area list hourly rates ranging from $16 to $20.50 for some positions, with higher rates for experienced candidates.
10. Medical Assistant – Coppell
In Coppell, the average pay for a medical assistant is $44,739 per year, or $21.51 per hour. The average salary range is between $33,375 and $52,747. Entry-level medical assistants earn around $33,000, while senior-level earn up to $53,000.
11. Certified Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average
A certified medical assistant in Texas earns an average base salary of $18.39 per hour, with a low of $13.47 and a high of $25.11. This is 15% below the national average, based on thousands of salaries taken from job postings over the past 36 months.
12. Entry-Level Medical Assistant – Texas Statewide Average
An entry-level medical assistant in Texas earns an average base salary of $18.08 per hour, with a low of $12.57 and a high of $26.01. This is 6% below the national average, based on job posting data. The highest-paying companies for entry-level medical assistants include PAD Specialists ($52,855 per year), Aerotek ($46,800), and Houston Metro Urology ($34,469).
13. Medical Assistant – Salary by Experience
Experience is a primary driver of medical assistant salaries in Texas. The average salary grows at different career stages: entry-level (less than 1 year) earns $44,196; early career (1-2 years) earns $44,654; mid-level (2-4 years) earns $45,578; senior-level (5-8 years) earns $45,763; and expert (over 8 years) earns $45,886.
14. Medical Assistant – Salary by Certification
Certification can increase a medical assistant’s earning potential. Data for Dallas shows that certified medical assistants earn an average of $43,237 per year, with a bonus of $673. Senior-level certified medical assistants earn up to $48,304. Many employers in Texas require or strongly prefer certification.
15. Medical Assistant – Salary by Practice Setting
Medical assistants working in hospitals, specialty clinics, and private practices may earn different salaries. Data for San Antonio shows that some hospital systems offer hourly rates as high as $31 to $56 per hour for medical assistant positions, while private practices and clinics typically offer lower rates.
16. Medical Assistant – Salary by Specialization
Medical assistants with specialized skills in areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or medical billing may command higher salaries. A career progression document shows that medical assistants with phlebotomy certification and float responsibilities can earn higher tier pay rates, with base hourly rates ranging from $24 to $28 or more depending on experience and qualifications.
17. Medical Assistant – Temporary and Contract Positions
Temporary and contract medical assistant positions in Texas offer an average salary of $44,916 per year, or $22 per hour. The typical salary range shows top earners making $53,488, the majority range between $40,772 and $49,403, and entry-level at $37,000.
18. Medical Assistant – Highest-Paying Employers
The highest-paying employers for medical assistants in Texas include CareNow ($50,939 per year), Russell Tobin and Associates ($46,800), PHAXIS ($46,020), QuikTrip ($45,843), Equity Staffing Group ($45,760), and Optum ($43,420). These figures are based on job postings and may vary by location and experience.
19. Medical Assistant – Salary by City Comparison
Medical assistant salaries vary across Texas cities. Austin offers the highest average at $45,390, followed by Dallas at $43,810, Houston at $41,590, and San Antonio at $41,480. El Paso sits $9,440 lower than Austin at $35,950, reflecting significant regional variation in pay.
20. Medical Assistant – Salary Growth Potential
The estimated salary growth for medical assistants in Texas is approximately 5.2% over two years. The estimated salary for a medical assistant in Coppell is $45,898 in one year and $50,841 in five years. Certified medical assistants in Dallas are projected to see a 13.6% salary change over five years.
COMPARISON TABLE.
| Rank | Role / Source | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Medical Assistant (Texas) | $44,673 | $21.00 |
| 2 | Medical Assistant (Texas) | $41,240 | — |
| 3 | Medical Assistant (Texas, Median) | $37,568 | — |
| 4 | Medical Assistant (Texas, Job Postings) | ~$37,606 | $18.08 |
| 5 | Medical Assistant (Texas, Survey) | $38,542 | $18.53 |
| 6 | Medical Assistant (Austin) | $45,390 | — |
| 7 | Medical Assistant (Dallas) | $43,810 | — |
| 8 | Certified Medical Assistant (Dallas) | $43,237 | $20.79 |
| 9 | Medical Assistant (Houston) | $41,590 | — |
| 10 | Medical Assistant (San Antonio) | $41,480 | — |
| 11 | Medical Assistant (Coppell) | $44,739 | $21.51 |
| 12 | Certified Medical Assistant (Texas) | — | $18.39 |
| 13 | Entry-Level Medical Assistant (Texas) | — | $18.08 |
| 14 | Medical Assistant – Temporary (Texas) | $44,916 | $22.00 |
| 15 | Medical Assistant (Entry Level) | $44,196 | — |
| 16 | Medical Assistant (Early Career) | $44,654 | — |
| 17 | Medical Assistant (Mid-Level) | $45,578 | — |
| 18 | Medical Assistant (Senior Level) | $45,763 | — |
| 19 | Medical Assistant (Expert Level) | $45,886 | — |
| 20 | Medical Assistant (Top Earners) | $53,199 | $24.00 |
TIPS FOR UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL ASSISTANT SALARIES IN TEXAS
Data Sources Vary Significantly: The wide range of reported salaries—from $37,568 to $45,390 for the same role—reflects differences in data sources and methodologies. State workforce data tends to report lower median figures, while salary survey data reports higher averages based on employer-reported compensation.
Location Matters: Major metropolitan areas like Austin, Dallas, and Houston offer higher salaries than smaller cities and rural areas. Austin leads with an average of $45,390, while El Paso offers $35,950, a difference of more than $9,000 per year.
Certification Increases Pay: Certified medical assistants typically earn more than non-certified assistants. Many employers in Texas require or strongly prefer certification, and certified professionals can command higher hourly rates and bonuses.
Experience Drives Earnings: While the salary growth for medical assistants is more gradual than for some other healthcare roles, experience still matters. Entry-level assistants earn around $44,000, while expert-level assistants with over 8 years of experience earn nearly $46,000. Certified medical assistants in Dallas can earn up to $48,304 at the senior level.
Specialization and Skills Add Value: Medical assistants with specialized skills in phlebotomy, EKG, or medical billing may qualify for higher pay tiers. A career progression document shows that medical assistants with multiple certifications and float responsibilities can earn base hourly rates of $24 to $28 or more.
CONCLUSION
Medical assistant salaries in Texas vary depending on role, location, experience, and certification. The statewide average ranges from approximately $37,568 to $45,390 per year depending on the data source, with the highest-paying cities including Austin, Dallas, and Coppell. Entry-level medical assistants earn around $44,000, while certified and experienced assistants can earn up to $53,000 or more.
Temporary and contract positions offer competitive rates, and specialized skills in phlebotomy and EKG can increase earning potential. With over 11,000 annual openings projected across the state, medical assisting remains a stable and accessible career path in Texas healthcare.
By understanding the factors that influence medical assistant salaries—location, certification, experience, and practice setting—professionals can make informed decisions about their careers and maximize their earning potential in the Lone Star State.