Medical Assistant Hourly Pay in Harlingen, TX: $17.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical assistant working in Harlingen, TX runs $17.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Weighted against Harlingen's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,415 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical assistants in Harlingen, TX, can expect a median hourly pay of $17.96 in 2026, falling significantly below the national median of $23.06. This rate is crucial for part-time and per-diem workers, who often find roles in environments such as primary care exam rooms, specialty practice procedure rooms, urgent care intake stations, and outpatient clinic rooms. For those taking on a part-time role at three days a week, this hourly rate allows for flexible scheduling while providing relative financial stability. The hourly range for medical assistants in Harlingen varies, with entry-level positions earning around $14.02 and top earners reaching $22.63. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the pay scale for medical assistants serving the city's healthcare facilities.
About the Harlingen Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.02 | $112.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.57 | $124.54 |
| Median (P50) | $17.96 | $143.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.00 | $152.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.63 | $181.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Harlingen
Based on $17.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.96/hr, a medical assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Harlingen, TX can expect to earn approximately $37,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,552. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Harlingen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Harlingen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $718.41 | $3,113 | $37,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $431.05 | $1,868 | $22,415 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $287.37 | $1,245 | $14,943 |
Compare MA, CMA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Assistant (Harlingen) | $17.96 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Pharmacy Technician (National Avg) | $19.27 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
Medical Assistants in Harlingen, TX earn a median of $37,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.12% lower than the national median of $47,961 and 5.10% below the Texas state average of $39,358.
Medical Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.96/hr = $22,415/year (purchasing power: $23,348).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,358/year (purchasing power: $38,914).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$13.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Harlingen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $13.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $13.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $13.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical assistants in Harlingen grew 31.3% from $13.03/hr (2019) to $17.11/hr (2025). At a 4.97% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.85/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Harlingen metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Assistant in Harlingen
Part-time medical assistants working 24 hours a week can earn around $18,000 annually, which is a stark contrast to full-time colleagues bringing in a much higher income. Per diem medical assistant pay in Harlingen typically ranges from $20 to $30 per hour, with specialty practices in fields like dermatology and plastics paying even more, at $25 to $38 per hour. Urgent care centers often offer additional incentives, such as stipends of $50 to $150 for 12-hour shifts, significantly enhancing earning potential. Hourly rates can shift based on employer type; for example, primary care offices may offer lower rates compared to urgent care chains or specialty clinics, where demand for well-trained medical assistants is greater. Some professionals might choose lower-paying jobs that offer benefits while others may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits for flexibility. Negotiating hourly pay in Harlingen can be effective when aligning expectations with the city's cost of living and the competitive nature of healthcare roles.
More salary data for Harlingen, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical assistants in Harlingen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Harlingen is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov