Medical Assistant in Irving, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Irving Stands

As a local who has watched the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex evolve, I can tell you that Irving’s job market for Medical Assistants is stable but competitive. You’re not in the high-stakes salary tier of downtown Dallas or the affluent northern suburbs, but you’re also not in a rural desert. The data reflects a mid-market reality, which can be a sweet spot for living costs.

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Medical Assistant in Irving is $38,648/year. That translates to an hourly rate of $18.58/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, but don't let that fool you—the cost of living here is higher than the US average. The national average is a broad brush; in the DFW metro, you need to compete with the broader market.

Breaking it down by experience level is crucial for setting realistic expectations. Here’s how salaries typically progress in this area:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Factors in Irving
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$31,000 - $35,000	Often start in large hospital systems (like Baylor Scott & White) or high-volume clinics. Expect to do a lot of vitals, rooming patients, and administrative tasks.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$38,000 - $44,000	This is where the median salary sits. You'll have more autonomy, possibly handle more complex procedures (like EKGs, phlebotomy), and may precept new hires.
Senior (6-10 years)	$45,000 - $52,000	Specialization pays off. MAs in cardiology, orthopedics, or surgical specialties often hit this range. Leadership roles (Lead MA, Clinical Supervisor) also fall here.
Expert (10+ years)	$52,000+	This is less about general MA duties and more about niche roles: practice management, education coordination, or moving into an RN bridge program.

How does this compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Higher salaries (median around $40,500), but significantly higher rent and commute times. The premium isn't always worth it if you're living in Irving.
• Fort Worth: Similar to Irving, perhaps a touch lower. The job density is high, but the healthcare landscape is dominated by JPS and Texas Health.
• Houston: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$39,500), but the healthcare system is fragmented and the climate/traffic is a major factor.
• Austin: Salaries are competitive with Dallas, but the cost of living, especially rent, is astronomical. Irving offers a much more manageable financial entry point into the Texas healthcare scene.

Insider Tip: The 508 jobs listed for the metro area (which includes Irving, Dallas, and parts of Tarrant County) means competition is present but not overwhelming. The 15% 10-year job growth is a solid indicator that demand will remain steady, especially with the aging population in the DFW area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be honest: that $38,648 median salary looks different after Uncle Sam and your landlord get their cut. Irving’s cost of living index is 103.3, meaning it's about 3.3% more expensive than the national average. The biggest factor here is housing.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Medical Assistant earning the median salary. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents, single health plan).

• Gross Monthly Income: $38,648 / 12 = $3,220.67
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~22% = -$708.55
• Net Take-Home Pay: $2,512.12

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,291	This is the city average. A 1BR in a decent complex in Las Colinas will be higher; in Valley Ranch, it may be slightly lower.
Utilities	$150	Includes electricity, water, garbage. Internet is separate.
Groceries	$300	Shopping at HEB or Kroger (both prevalent in Irving) vs. Whole Foods makes a big difference.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Assumes a modest car payment and full coverage. Irving is car-dependent; public transit (DART) is an option but not for all commutes.
Gas	$120	Commuting to Dallas or Fort Worth adds up.
Health Insurance	$150	Employer-sponsored plan (you pay a portion).
Misc. (Phone, etc.)	$100	Basic cell phone plan.
Discretionary/Debt	$451	This is what's left for savings, student loans, entertainment, or emergencies.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the tough question. With a take-home of ~$2,500 and average rent at $1,291, you're spending over 50% of your net income on housing. That leaves very little for a mortgage payment. The median home price in Irving is over $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000, and a monthly mortgage (with taxes and insurance) would be around $2,200+. On a $38,648 salary, this is not feasible without a significant second income or a large down payment. Homeownership is a long-term goal that likely requires career advancement or a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Irving's Major Employers

Irving's healthcare job market is a mix of major systems, specialized clinics, and a surprising number of corporate health services due to its proximity to DFW Airport and corporate headquarters. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving: The 800-lb gorilla. This is a full-service hospital in the heart of the city. They hire MAs for virtually every department: Primary Care, Orthopedics, Cardiology, Surgical Services, and the Emergency Department. Hiring is frequent, but internal promotion is a huge part of their culture.
2. Medical City Las Colinas: A major hospital right off Highway 114 in the Las Colinas urban center. It's known for its surgical specialties and women's services. MAs here often work in fast-paced, high-acuity environments. The hospital is part of the HCA Healthcare system, which offers good benefits but can be corporate in structure.
3. Children's Health (Plano/Irving area): While the main hospital is in Dallas (and Plano), there are numerous specialty clinics and urgent care centers in Irving. Working with pediatrics requires a specific skill set and patience. Pay can be slightly higher than the median due to the specialty.
4. Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas: This hospital is just east of Irving's city limits in Dallas, but it's a major employer for Irving residents. The commute is short (15-20 minutes via I-35E). MAs often find roles in their large outpatient network, which includes clinics in Irving itself.
5. USTA Health (University of Texas Southwestern): UT Southwestern has a massive footprint in Dallas, with satellite clinics in Irving. These are often research-heavy and academic-focused roles. They look for MAs with strong organizational skills and an interest in research protocols. The pay is competitive, and the benefits are excellent (including tuition assistance).
6. North Texas Medical Center (NTMC) - Urgent Care Network: A growing chain of urgent care clinics throughout the DFW area, including several in Irving. These are fast-paced, high-volume environments perfect for MAs who thrive on variety. Turnover can be higher, making it a good place to gain experience quickly.
7. Corporate & Occupational Health: Irving is home to many corporate headquarters (like Toyota, ExxonMobil, Kimberly-Clark). These companies often have on-site or partnered occupational health clinics. These jobs often offer a 9-to-5 schedule with no weekends or holidays, which is a huge perk. They are competitive and often require 2+ years of experience.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward outpatient specialty clinics. As hospital systems consolidate, they are expanding their clinic networks in suburbs like Irving. This means more jobs in cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. Also, telehealth support roles are emerging, where MAs help with patient intake and tech troubleshooting for virtual visits.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a clear path to becoming a Medical Assistant, but it's not as regulated as some states. There is no state license required to practice as a Medical Assistant in Texas. However, employers almost universally require certification from a national accrediting body.

The Two Main Pathways:

1. Accredited Program: Complete a postsecondary education program (diploma or associate degree) accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
2. On-the-Job Training: Some employers, particularly in high-demand areas, will hire with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training. However, this is becoming rarer and starting pay is usually lower.

National Certification (The Real Requirement):
To be competitive, you need one of these certifications:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Requires graduation from an accredited program.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Can be obtained through an accredited program, military training, or a combination of education and work experience.
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Costs & Timeline:

• Accredited Program: 9 months to 2 years. Cost: $3,000 - $15,000 (community college is cheaper; private schools are pricier). Dallas College (formerly DCCCD) has excellent, affordable programs with campuses in Dallas and Irving.
• Certification Exam: $120 - $200 for the exam fee. Most employers will reimburse this after you pass.
• Background Check & Drug Screen: Required by all employers. Cost: $50 - $100 (often covered by employer).

Insider Tip: If you're already certified and moving to Texas, your CMA or RMA is fully transferable. Just ensure your certification is current. For CMA's, you need to complete continuing education every 60 months. Texas does not have a separate state-specific exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Where you live in Irving impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Las Colinas (The Urban Core):

   • Vibe: Modern, walkable, with a skyline. Lots of young professionals. Close to major employers like Medical City and corporate offices.
   • Commute: Excellent. Easy access to I-635, I-114, and DART. Most Irving hospitals are within a 10-15 minute drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR. Premium for amenities.
   • Best For: Those who want an urban feel without Dallas prices.

2. Valley Ranch:

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, established, with a mix of single-family homes and newer apartments. Quiet and safe.
   • Commute: Good. Central to Irving, a straight shot to Baylor Irving or Medical City. Slightly farther from Dallas proper.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500 for a 1BR. More affordable than Las Colinas.
   • Best For: MAs looking for a calm, suburban environment after a long hospital shift.

3. South Irving (Near Camp Wisdom Rd.):

   • Vibe: More diverse, with older apartment complexes and single-family homes. Prices are the most affordable in the city.
   • Commute: Decent. You're closer to Highway 183 and I-35E, which gets you to Dallas or Fort Worth hospitals quickly. Traffic can be heavy.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those on a tight budget who are willing to trade some curb appeal for affordability.

4. Coppell (Bordering Irving):

   • Vibe: Affluent, top-rated schools, very suburban and family-oriented. It feels more upscale than most of Irving.
   • Commute: Very good. Close to DFW Airport and major highways. You're commuting into Irving for work, but it's short.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000+ for a 1BR. Significantly higher.
   • Best For: MAs with a higher salary or dual income who prioritize school district and want a quieter, more polished community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The median salary of $38,648 is a starting point, not a ceiling. The 15% job growth over 10 years indicates strong demand, which gives you leverage for advancement.

Specialty Premiums:

• Dermatology & Plastic Surgery: These are cash-heavy practices. MAs can often earn 5-10% above the median due to the fast-paced, procedure-oriented nature of the work.
• Cardiology & Electrophysiology: Requires specialized knowledge (EKG interpretation, stress tests). Pay can be in the $42,000 - $48,000 range for mid-level MAs.
• Orthopedics/Surgical First Assist: With additional training (often provided by the employer), MAs can become Surgical First Assistants. This can push salaries toward the $50,000 - $60,000 mark.

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Leadership: Lead Medical Assistant, Clinical Supervisor. Requires strong organizational and communication skills. Salary bump to $45,000 - $55,000.
2. Education & Training: Become a Clinical Instructor for a medical assistant program. This often requires an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Pay is similar to senior MA roles but with better hours.
3. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Irving use their experience and employer tuition assistance (common at Baylor Scott & White and Texas Health) to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) or Registered Nurses (RNs). This is the most significant salary jump, often doubling your income.
4. Healthcare Administration: Move into roles like Practice Manager or Clinic Coordinator. This requires a business or healthcare administration degree (often a Bachelor's). Salaries are $60,000+.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The key differentiator will be specialization. Generalist MAs will always have jobs, but those who specialize in high-demand areas like geriatrics (huge in DFW), cardiology, or surgical services will see faster salary growth and more job security. The rise of value-based care will also increase the need for MAs in care coordination roles.

The Verdict: Is Irving Right for You?

Irving offers a pragmatic balance for a Medical Assistant. It's not the glamour of Dallas or the affluence of Plano, but it's a solid, affordable entry into one of the nation's largest healthcare markets. The decision comes down to your personal priorities.

Pros	Cons
Job Stability: 508 jobs in the metro and 15% growth provide a reliable market.	Salary Ceiling: The median $38,648 is modest for the region. Significant raises require specialization or moving up.
Affordable Entry: Compared to Dallas or Austin, rent ($1,291 avg) is manageable on an MA salary.	Commute Dependency: You need a car. Public transit (DART) is limited for some hospital commutes.
Employer Diversity: Mix of hospital systems, specialty clinics, and corporate health.	High Competition for Top Jobs: The best specialties (e.g., UT Southwestern, corporate health) are competitive.
Central Location: Easy access to the entire DFW metroplex for networking and future opportunities.	Cost of Living Pressure: At 103.3, your budget is tight. Discretionary spending is limited on the median salary.
Pathway for Growth: Strong tuition assistance programs at major employers for further education.	Insular Feel: Some neighborhoods can feel disconnected from the vibrant Dallas culture.

Final Recommendation:
Irving is an excellent choice for a new or mid-level Medical Assistant looking for a stable job market without the crushing financial pressure of more expensive cities. It’s a place to build 2-4 years of solid experience, get certified, and use employer benefits to advance your education. If you are a highly experienced specialist seeking the absolute top of the pay scale, you might look closer to Dallas's medical district. But for the majority, Irving provides the perfect launchpad.

FAQs

1. What's the actual job search like in Irving?
The search is hybrid. Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also go directly to the career pages of Baylor Scott & White, Medical City, and Texas