Harlingen vs Houston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Harlingen, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Harlingen, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,350 | $44,203▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.96 | $21.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,176 | $32,446▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $32,372 | $38,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $39,524 | $49,052▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,077 | $51,813▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 18,280▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Harlingen and Houston is $6,853 (18.35%). Houston's median is -7.84% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Harlingen spans $17,901,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, Houston ($44,817 effective) pays 15.19% more than Harlingen ($38,906 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,203/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,813)
- ✓Larger job market (18,280 employed)
- ✓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 Harlingen grew -8.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Harlingen, TX
$38,693 (2024) → $35,582 (2025)
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Harlingen, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Harlingen or 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