Houston vs Waco: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,203▲ | $40,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.26▲ | $19.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,446 | $35,039▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,492▲ | $38,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052▲ | $47,383 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,813▲ | $50,606 |
| Total Employed | 18,280▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Houston and Waco is $3,359 (8.22%). 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 Houston spans $19,367,Waco spans $15,567. Houston 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 1.55% more than Waco ($44,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waco if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Houston grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Waco over the same period.
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
Waco, TX
$32,100 (2019) → $38,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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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