Dallas vs Houston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,242▲ | $44,203 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.75▲ | $21.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,338▲ | $32,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,721▲ | $38,492 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,228▲ | $49,052 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,384▲ | $51,813 |
| Total Employed | 20,560▲ | 18,280 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Dallas and Houston is $1,039 (2.35%). Dallas's median is -5.67% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $21,046,Houston spans $19,367. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($44,817 effective) pays 2.12% more than Dallas ($43,886 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,242/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,384)
- ✓Larger job market (20,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,817)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Dallas grew 26.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$34,040 (2019) → $43,100 (2025)
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Dallas or Houston?
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What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Dallas 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