Arlington vs Houston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,328▲ | $44,203 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.31▲ | $21.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,555▲ | $32,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,521 | $38,492▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,720 | $49,052▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,783▲ | $51,813 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 18,280▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $125 (0.28%). Arlington's median is -7.57% 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,Houston spans $19,367. 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, Arlington ($46,175 effective) pays 3.03% more than Houston ($44,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,328/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,783)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,175)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (18,280 employed)
- ✓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 24.1% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$39,506 (2024) → $42,229 (2025)
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
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