Houston vs Plano: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Houston, TX and Plano, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Plano, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,203▲ | $41,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.26▲ | $19.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,446▲ | $30,330 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,492▲ | $33,082 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,052▲ | $44,429 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,813 | $53,979▲ |
| Total Employed | 18,280▲ | 57 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plano.
The salary gap between Houston and Plano is $3,077 (7.48%). 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,Plano spans $23,649. Plano 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 4.62% more than Plano ($42,840 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)
- ✓Larger job market (18,280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,817)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Plano if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,979)
- ✓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 -2.3% growth in Plano over the same period.
Houston, TX
$33,930 (2019) → $42,110 (2025)
Plano, TX
$40,114 (2024) → $39,179 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Houston or Plano?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Plano?
Should I relocate from Houston to Plano as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Houston vs Plano?
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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