Medical Assistant salary in Houston, TX
Median pay, Houston metro
$42,110/year
about $20.25 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $36,670 – $46,730
Half of medical assistants in the Houston metro area earn more than $42,110 a year and half earn less. That's 8% lower than the national median of $45,690, and ranks #28 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $30,910 | $14.86 |
| 25th | $36,670 | $17.63 |
| Median (50th) | $42,110 | $20.25 |
| 75th | $46,730 | $22.47 |
| 90th (top earners) | $49,360 | $23.73 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a medical assistant job in the Houston metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $36,670 ($17.63/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $36,670 to $46,730 ($17.63 to $22.47/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $46,730 ($22.47/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Certification (such as CMA or RMA) can raise pay and open more roles, and some employers pay for it.
- Check whether the role is front office, back office or both, since mixed roles are often paid like single ones.
- Ask about guaranteed hours: some clinics cut hours on slow days.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Houston metro. Occupation: Medical Assistants (SOC 31-9092). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.