Arlington vs Austin: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Arlington, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,328 | $48,097▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.31 | $23.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,555 | $39,059▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,521 | $41,484▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,720 | $49,787▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,783▲ | $57,545 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 5,830▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Austin is $3,769 (8.50%). 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 Arlington spans $27,228,Austin spans $18,486. Arlington 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, Austin ($49,046 effective) pays 6.22% more than Arlington ($46,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,783)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,097/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,046)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Arlington grew 6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Austin over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$39,506 (2024) → $42,229 (2025)
Austin, TX
$34,210 (2019) → $45,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Arlington or Austin?
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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