Medical Assistant in Arlington, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Arlington Stands

As a local career analyst, I’ve watched Arlington’s healthcare job market closely. For Medical Assistants (MAs), Arlington offers a solid footing in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex without the intense competition of Dallas itself. The median salary for Medical Assistants in Arlington is $38,648 per year, or $18.58 per hour. This figure sits just above the national average of $38,270/year, which is a positive sign for a cost-of-living-adjusted perspective. The metro area (which includes Arlington) has 796 jobs in this field, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 15%, keeping pace with national trends but offering stability in a growing region.

Breaking it down by experience is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Here’s how salaries typically progress in the Arlington market:

Experience Level	Typical Arlington Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $37,000	Patient intake, vital signs, EHR data entry, basic lab draw assistance.
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Phlebotomy, EKGs, medication administration, patient education, scheduling.
Senior (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $47,000	Training new MAs, complex patient management, specialty clinic support.
Expert/Specialized (10+ years)	$47,000+	Lead MA, clinic management, specialized procedural support (e.g., dermatology, ophthalmology).

When compared to other major Texas cities, Arlington’s median salary for MAs is competitive. Austin and Houston often have higher nominal salaries, but their cost of living is significantly steeper. For instance, Austin’s MA median is roughly $40,000, but rent averages over $1,600. Dallas proper is closer to $40,500, but commuting from Arlington to Dallas can add time and cost. San Antonio is closer to $36,500, making Arlington a strong middle ground. Insider Tip: The $18.58/hour figure is a median. You can often find opportunities at North Texas specialty clinics or surgical centers that pay a premium of $1-3/hour above this rate, especially for those proficient in EHR systems like Epic or Cerner, which are standard at major hospital systems here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about the numbers. Earning the median salary of $38,648 in Arlington means navigating the local cost of living, which is slightly above the national average at a 103.3 index (US avg = 100). The biggest variable is housing, with the average 1BR rent at $1,384/month.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single MA earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes for Arlington, TX
Gross Monthly Pay	$3,220	Based on $38,648/year.
Taxes (Est. 22%)	-$708	(Federal, FICA, State TX has no income tax).
Net Take-Home	~$2,512	A crucial starting point.
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$1,384	This is your largest fixed cost.
Utilities	-$150	Electricity, water, internet.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Arlington is car-dependent; public transit is limited.
Gas	-$120	Based on a 20-mile round-trip commute.
Groceries	-$300
Health Insurance (if employer-sponsored)	-$150	Premiums can vary, but this is a common share.
Misc. (Phone, Personal)	-$100
Total Expenses	-$2,554
Remaining/Savings	-$42	This is tight.

Can they afford to buy a home? On a single median MA salary, homeownership in Arlington is challenging without a significant down payment or dual income. The median home price in Arlington is roughly $325,000. A 20% down payment is $65,000. With a monthly mortgage, property taxes, and insurance, you’d be looking at a payment of $1,800-$2,000/month before utilities. This would consume over 70% of your take-home pay, which is not sustainable. Homeownership is a more realistic long-term goal for mid-to-senior level MAs (earning $45,000+) with a partner or roommate, or after several years of career growth. Insider Tip: Look for apartments in the 76010 or 76011 zip codes for slightly lower rents, but always factor in commute times to major employers like Texas Health Arlington or Medical City Arlington.

Where the Jobs Are: Arlington's Major Employers

Arlington’s healthcare system is anchored by two major hospital networks and a robust network of private practices. The job market is diverse, offering paths in primary care, specialty medicine, and urgent care.

1. Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital (Texas Health Resources): A Level III Trauma center and one of the largest employers in the city. They consistently hire MAs for their emergency department, primary care clinics, and specialty offices (cardiology, orthopedics). Hiring trends show a strong preference for candidates with BLS (Basic Life Support) certification and at least one year of experience.
2. Medical City Arlington (HCA Healthcare): The other major hospital player, known for its surgical services and cardiac care. Their outpatient clinics and surgery centers are frequent MA employers. They often post jobs for Medical Assistant I, II, and III roles, indicating clear advancement tracks.
3. UT Southwestern Medical Center - Arlington: A growing presence, offering MAs opportunities in a university-based, research-driven environment. This is a great option for those interested in academic medicine. They often require more stringent credentialing.
4. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Arlington: Part of the state’s largest non-profit system. They have a strong network of primary care and specialty clinics in the area. Hiring tends to favor MAs with experience in their specific EHR (Epic).
5. Arlington Memorial Primary Care & Specialty Clinics: A large network of private practices under the Texas Health umbrella. These are excellent for entry-to-mid-level MAs seeking a steady, Monday-Friday schedule outside of hospital hours.
6. Urgent Care Chains (e.g., MedExpress, CareNow): Arlington has numerous urgent care centers. They offer fast-paced environments and often hire MAs for evening and weekend shifts, which can come with a pay differential. High turnover here can mean frequent openings.
7. Specialty Clinics (Dermatology, Oncology, Ophthalmology): Arlington has a high concentration of specialty practices, especially along I-20 and Cooper Street. These often pay a premium for specialized skills (e.g., assisting with Mohs surgery, chemotherapy administration). Insider Tip: Check practice websites directly, as many small, private clinics don't post on major job boards.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear path to becoming a Medical Assistant, but it’s not a "licensed" profession in the same way as a nurse. It’s a "certified" role. Here’s the breakdown:

• The Requirement: Texas does not have a state license for MAs. However, to perform specific clinical tasks (like injections or phlebotomy), you must be a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) or hold a comparable national certification. Most employers in Arlington require this at the time of hire.
• The Certifications: The two most recognized are:
  1. CCMA from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
  2. CMA (AAMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants.
• The Cost & Timeline:
  • Training Program: An accredited program (often at Tarrant County College or a private vocational school) takes 9-12 months and costs $3,000 - $8,000. Many employers now offer tuition reimbursement.
  • Exam Fee: The NHA exam fee is approximately $159 - $200.
  • Timeline to Get Started: If you start a program today, you could be job-ready in under a year. Insider Tip: Many Arlington employers, including Texas Health and Medical City, have partnerships with local schools and may offer "earn while you learn" programs or direct hiring from cohorts. Always ask about these during interviews.
• Key Point: Your certification must be maintained through continuing education. Texas requires 10 CE hours per year for CMA (AAMA) holders to keep their credential active.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Arlington is a sprawling, car-centric city. Your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute and lifestyle more than anything else. Here are four areas to consider, based on MA job hubs and livability:

1. East Arlington (76018): This is the heart of the hospital district. You’re within a 10-15 minute drive of Texas Health, Medical City, and numerous clinics.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Convenient for work, but with more traffic. Great access to the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field) for easy off-work fun.

2. North Arlington (76006): Closer to DFW Airport and Irving, with a more suburban feel. Good for commuters to Dallas or Fort Worth if needed.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,450/month.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter neighborhoods, good schools, and quick access to highways. A 20-minute commute to the hospital district during peak hours.

3. Downtown/South Arlington (76010/76011): More affordable, with a mix of older apartments and new developments. Closer to retail and dining along Collins Street.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300/month.
   • Lifestyle: Grittier but vibrant. Commute to hospitals is 15-25 minutes. Best for those who want to save on rent and don't mind a longer drive.

4. Mansfield (76063): Technically a separate city, but it's a booming suburb immediately south of Arlington. Excellent schools and a family-friendly vibe.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month (pricier due to schools).
   • Lifestyle: A 20-30 minute commute to Arlington hospitals. Consider this if you have a family or are prioritizing school districts.

Commute Reality Check: Arlington has no real public transit for commuting to work. You will need a reliable car. Factor in gas, insurance, and potential parking fees (some downtown clinics charge).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 15% for MAs in Arlington is promising, but to maximize your income, you need to specialize or move into leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties earn more. In Arlington, these include:
  • Dermatology: $1-4/hour premium. Requires knowledge of procedures and surgical trays.
  • Oncology/Infusion: $2-5/hour premium. Requires chemotherapy certification and advanced patient care skills.
  • Ophthalmology: $1-3/hour premium. Specialized knowledge of eye exams and minor procedures.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead MA/Office Supervisor: Overseeing other MAs and front-office staff. Typically pays $45,000 - $52,000.
  2. Clinical Coordinator: Managing patient flow, quality control, and provider schedules. Requires strong organizational skills. Salary: $48,000 - $55,000.
  3. Program Coordinator/Educator: Working for a hospital system or school to train new MAs. Requires experience and often additional education.
• 10-Year Outlook: The healthcare demand in the DFW metroplex is relentless. MAs who stay current with technology (EHR, telehealth), obtain additional certifications (e.g., phlebotomy, EKG), and build a network within Arlington’s tight-knit medical community will be best positioned for the 15% growth. The trend is toward MAs taking on more complex tasks, so specialization is the key to breaking past the median salary ceiling.

The Verdict: Is Arlington Right for You?

Arlington offers a practical, stable entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth healthcare scene. It’s a market where you can build experience without the overwhelming scale of Dallas or the hyper-competitive cost of living in Austin.

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Anchored by two major hospital systems and steady growth (796 jobs).	Low Median Salary: $38,648 is manageable but requires careful budgeting, especially with $1,384 rent.
Manageable Cost of Living: Slightly above national average, but far cheaper than Dallas core or Austin.	Car Dependency: A necessary and costly expense. Public transit is not viable for commuting.
Central Location: Easy access to Dallas, Fort Worth, and DFW Airport for travel or commuting if needed.	Limited "Walkable" Living: Most neighborhoods require a drive for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Clear Career Paths: Employers have defined levels for MAs, with opportunities to specialize and advance.	Competitive Entry-Level: While jobs are plentiful, you still need certification and some experience to stand out.

Final Recommendation: Arlington is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who is budget-conscious, career-focused, and has reliable transportation. It’s ideal for those who want to build a solid 2-5 years of experience before potentially moving to a higher-paying city or advancing into a lead role. If you’re looking for a vibrant, walkable urban core with a high starting salary, you might prefer Dallas. But for a balanced, realistic start to your MA career in Texas, Arlington is a strong contender.

FAQs

Q: I have no experience. Can I get hired in Arlington as an MA?
A: It's challenging but possible, especially with a certification. Target urgent care centers, private practices, or "Medical Assistant I" roles at larger hospitals that offer on-the-job training. A strong externship from an accredited program is your best asset.

Q: Do Arlington hospitals hire MAs for night or weekend shifts?
A: Yes. The emergency departments at Texas Health and Medical City, as well as urgent care centers, offer 24/7 shifts. These often come with a shift differential of $2-4/hour, which can significantly boost your income above the median.

Q: How does the cost of living in Arlington compare to Fort Worth?
A: Arlington is very similar to Fort Worth in cost. Rent is slightly lower in Fort Worth's outer suburbs, but Arlington's central location between the two major cities gives you access to both job markets, making it a strategic compromise.

Q: What's the best way to network for MA jobs in Arlington?
A: Join the local chapters of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Attend job fairs hosted by Tarrant County College. Also, use LinkedIn to connect with MA supervisors at Texas Health and Medical City Arlington—many are active there.

Q: Is certification a must, or can I work as a "Registered Medical Assistant" (RMA)?
A: While the RMA credential is valid, the CCMA and CMA (AAMA) are more widely recognized and requested by Arlington employers. To be safe and maximize your job options, aim for the CCMA or CMA. It’s the standard in this market.