Austin vs Houston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Austin, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,097▲ | $44,203 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.12▲ | $21.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,059▲ | $32,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,484▲ | $38,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,787▲ | $49,052 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,545▲ | $51,813 |
| Total Employed | 5,830 | 18,280▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Austin and Houston is $3,894 (8.81%). Austin's median is +0.28% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $18,486,Houston spans $19,367. Houston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($49,046 effective) pays 9.43% more than Houston ($44,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,097/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,545)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,046)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (18,280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Austin grew 33.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Austin, TX
$34,210 (2019) → $45,820 (2025)
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Austin or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Houston?
Should I relocate from Austin to Houston as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Austin vs Houston?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov