Medical assistants in Texas earn $35,980 median — 19% below the national average, but with 72,280 jobs statewide. The state's massive health care system means steady demand, though wages lag behind California and the Northeast. Five CAAHEP programs span major metros, producing hundreds of graduates yearly.
Salary and employment data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Texas
Texas · Training Path
How to Become a Medical Assistant in Texas
Texas offers multiple entry points, from $1,674 at Collin College to $8,319 at Houston Community College.
- 1
Medical Assistant Certificate Program
education9 months · $12,000-$18,000
Complete a postsecondary certificate program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, including classroom instruction and a mandatory supervised clinical externship in an ambulatory healthcare setting.
- 2
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam
training licensing1 month · $125
Pass the CMA (AAMA) national certification exam. Certification is highly preferred by employers and demonstrates competency in clinical and administrative medical assisting skills.
- 3
Medical Assistant - Entry Level
career2 years ·
Work as a certified medical assistant in ambulatory healthcare settings, performing both clinical duties (vital signs, patient preparation, assisting with exams) and administrative tasks (scheduling, medical records, billing).
Accredited Programs · Texas
Accredited Medical Assistant Programs in Texas
Accreditation matters because Texas's licensing board typically only recognizes graduates from programs vetted by a national body. The programs below hold active accreditation and are in good standing as of the last verification date.
5 of ~undefined accredited programs in Texas
| Institution | Credential | Length | Estimated Cost | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Antonio College San Antonio | Associate's | 2 yr | $3,273–$6,000 | CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) |
| Dallas College - El Centro Campus Dallas | Certificate | 1y 1mo | $4,678–$7,478 | CAAHEP |
| Houston Community College Houston | Certificate | 1 yr | $5,171–$8,319 | CAAHEP |
| Tarrant County College Fort Worth | Certificate | 10 mo | $2,960–$4,500 | CAAHEP |
| Collin College Allen | Certificate | 1 yr | $1,674–$3,500 | CAAHEP |
Loading programs...
Last verified 2026-04-05. Program details — including tuition, duration, and accreditation — verified against each institution's official website.
Texas · Licensing Authority
Licensing and Certification in Texas
Texas regulates this career through the credentials below. The “issuing body” is the organization that awards and renews the credential — some are national associations, others are Texas's own licensing authority.
| Credential | Issuing Body | Type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) (AAMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants | certification | voluntary |
| RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) (AMT (American Medical Technologists)) | American Medical Technologists | certification | alternative |
Texas · BLS OEWS 2024
Medical Assistant Salary in Texas
With program costs under $9k at most schools, even Texas wages deliver quick payback.
10th
$35,984
25th
$38,917
Median
$35,980
75th
$45,843
90th
$48,360
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 72,280 employed in Texas
HealthJob Analysis · Texas
Is It Worth It? ROI in Texas
Year 2
Break-even
$867k
20-year net
$15k
Education cost
20-year net earnings = cumulative income minus education cost and the years you weren't earning.
Assumes Texas median salary of $35,980, 2% annual wage growth, no loan interest. Does not account for cost of living.
HealthJob Analysis · Texas
AI & Automation for Medical Assistants in Texas
In Texas, major health systems like Houston Methodist and Baylor Scott & White are piloting AI documentation tools for physicians, but these don't affect medical assistant workflows around patient care and clinical support.
Tasks that are changing
- AI handles major parts
- AI augments
- AI assists
- Human-only
Perform general office duties, such as answering telephones, taking dictation, or completing insurance forms.
Schedule appointments for patients.
Record patients' medical history, vital statistics, or information such as test results in medical records.
Greet and log in patients arriving at office or clinic.
Explain treatment procedures, medications, diets, or physicians' instructions to patients.
Interview patients to obtain medical information and measure their vital signs, weight, and height.
Physical measurements require manual tools; no deployed AI or robots handle vitals broadly across multiple sites.
Prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations, keeping the rooms neat and clean.
Manual physical task; no deployed robots at multiple sites for room prep or cleaning.
Show patients to examination rooms and prepare them for the physician.
Requires physical guidance; no broad AI or robot deployment for escorting patients.
AI products in use today
- DAX Copilot — Nuance/Microsoftsource
- Abridge — Abridge
- Envoy Visitors — Envoy
- Smith.ai — Smith.ai
- Ringg AI Voice Agent — Ringg
Texas · Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a license to work as a medical assistant in Texas?
- No, Texas does not require medical assistants to hold a state license. However, many employers prefer candidates with CMA or RMA certification, which can increase your starting salary by $2,000-$4,000 annually.
- How much do medical assistants make in Texas?
- Medical assistants in Texas earn a median salary of $35,980, with the top 25% earning $45,843 or more. Entry-level positions start around $36,000, while experienced medical assistants can earn up to $48,360 in the 90th percentile.
- What is the fastest medical assistant program in Texas?
- Tarrant County College offers a 10-month certificate program for approximately $2,960-$4,500. Most other Texas programs run 12-13 months, with San Antonio College's associate degree taking 24 months but providing broader career options.
- Are medical assistant jobs growing in Texas?
- Yes, Texas employs 72,280 medical assistants with continued growth expected. The state's expanding population and new clinic openings create steady demand, particularly in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Austin metro areas.
- Can I do injections as a medical assistant in Texas?
- Yes, medical assistants in Texas can administer injections under physician supervision without additional licensing. Texas allows medical assistants to perform most clinical tasks as long as they're trained and working under proper medical supervision.
Sources & Data
These references are used to build salary, training-path, and job-outlook estimates shown on this page.
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
- •O*NET OnLine
- •AAMA
- •AMT
- •HealthJob AI Impact Analysis
- •BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Medical Assistants
- •Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS State Data — Texas
Data last refreshed: April 2026