Medical Assistant Career Guide: Mansfield, TX

As someone who’s watched Mansfield grow from a quiet suburb into a bustling hub on the I-20 corridor, I can tell you that medical assisting here isn't just a job—it’s a solid career path in a city that’s strategically positioned between Dallas and Fort Worth. If you’re considering a move or starting your career here, you’re looking at a market that’s competitive but full of opportunity, especially if you know where to look.

This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the lifestyle you can actually afford with a Medical Assistant (MA) salary in Tarrant County.

The Salary Picture: Where Mansfield Stands

Let’s get straight to the data. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market reports, the financial reality for a Medical Assistant in Mansfield is modest but stable. The median salary is $38,648 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.58. This is slightly above the national average of $38,270/year, but only marginally. The key here is that Mansfield’s cost of living is manageable, and the job market is active, with approximately 159 jobs available in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 15%, which is on par with national trends and indicates a steady demand for skilled MAs across North Texas.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Mansfield will scale with your experience and, crucially, your certifications. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Differentiators in Mansfield
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$32,000 - $36,000	Often start in high-volume clinics or large hospital systems (Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health). RMA or CMA certification is a major advantage.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$37,000 - $42,000	Specialized skills (phlebotomy, EKG, back-office management) in practices like pediatric or orthopedic clinics in South Arlington or Mansfield’s own medical districts.
Senior (8-15 years)	$43,000 - $48,000	Often leads to lead MA roles, training new hires, or working in specialized departments (cardiology, oncology). May involve some travel between clinics.
Expert/Lead (15+ years)	$49,000+	Typically in management or education. Many become clinic managers, surgical coordinators, or transition into teaching programs at local colleges like TCC South Campus.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and industry data. The median salary of $38,648 sits firmly in the mid-level range, suggesting that with a few years of experience, you can meet or exceed the local average.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Mansfield holds a specific niche in the DFW market. It’s not as high-paying as Austin or Dallas proper, but it’s far more affordable.

City	Median MA Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1BR Avg Rent (Monthly)
Mansfield, TX	$38,648	103.3	$1,291
Dallas, TX	$40,200	103.8	$1,520
Fort Worth, TX	$38,900	101.5	$1,310
Austin, TX	$41,500	121.0	$1,650
San Antonio, TX	$37,500	91.5	$1,150

Source: Salary data is aggregated from BLS and industry reports; cost of living and rent data from local market surveys. While Dallas offers a slightly higher salary, the rent difference is significant, and the commute from Mansfield to Dallas is often faster than from within Dallas itself due to direct highway access.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many larger employers in the metro (Baylor, Texas Health) offer benefits packages that include tuition reimbursement, which can be worth $5,000+ annually if you’re pursuing further education. This effectively boosts your total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be pragmatic. A salary of $38,648 sounds okay, but what does it actually mean for your daily life in Mansfield? We’ll use a conservative estimate for taxes (federal, state, FICA) and the local rent average.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Medical Assistant Earning $38,648

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$3,221	Based on $38,648 / 12 months
Taxes (~22%)	-$708	Conservative estimate (7.65% FICA + state + federal)
Net Take-Home	$2,513
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,291	Using the Mansfield metro average
Utilities, Internet	-$150	Insider Tip: Mansfield has deregulated electricity; you can shop rates. In summer, AC bills can spike to $180+.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$350	Essential. Mansfield is car-dependent. Public transit is limited. A reliable car is non-negotiable.
Groceries & Household	-$350
Health Insurance (Employee Portion)	-$200	If employer covers a portion; can be higher.
Miscellaneous (Personal, Leisure)	-$172
Remaining	~$0	This is a tight budget.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Not on a single MA salary of $38,648. This is a two-income scenario or a significant career advancement requirement. The median home price in Mansfield is around $350,000-$400,000. With a 20% down payment ($70k-$80k), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance would easily exceed $2,000/month—more than the net take-home pay. A dual-income household or a partner with a higher salary is almost always necessary for homeownership here. However, renting a 1BR apartment is very feasible, and Mansfield’s neighborhoods are generally safe and family-friendly.

Where the Jobs Are: Mansfield's Major Employers

Mansfield’s healthcare scene is a mix of large hospital systems with satellite clinics and independent specialty practices. The jobs are there, but you need to know where to look.

1. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Mansfield: This is the flagship. It’s a full-service hospital (Level IV Trauma) with attached clinics. They are constantly hiring MAs for their primary care, pediatric, and specialty clinics (orthopedics, cardiology). They prefer CMA/RMA certs and have a robust internal training system. Hiring trend: Steady growth, especially in their new surgical and oncology wings.

2. Texas Health Resources – Fort Worth & Arlington Clinics: While the main hospital is in Fort Worth, Texas Health has a massive footprint in the southern DFW area. They run dozens of primary care and specialty clinics in Arlington and Mansfield. They are known for good benefits and a structured career ladder. Hiring trend: Expanding their urgent care and family medicine clinics.

3. Medical City Mansfield: Part of the Medical City network (HCA), this hospital and its associated clinics are a major competitor to Baylor. They focus on surgical services, women’s health, and emergency care. MAs here often work in fast-paced environments. Hiring trend: Active, particularly in surgical prep and recovery areas.

4. Mansfield Family Medicine & Local Independent Clinics: There are numerous independent practices, from pediatric groups like Pediatric Associates of Mansfield to adult medicine clinics. These can offer a more personal office culture but may have less structured benefits. Hiring trend: Stable, with openings occurring as staff retire or clinics expand.

5. UT Southwestern Medical Center – Southwestern Medical Plaza (Arlington): A short drive north, UT Southwestern is a premier academic medical center. Their Arlington clinics are top-tier and often look for MAs with a strong interest in research or academic medicine. Hiring trend: Selective, but they invest heavily in training.

6. Local Urgent Care Chains (e.g., CareNow, Concentra): With the population growth, urgent care centers are booming. These are great for gaining broad experience quickly. Hours can be irregular (nights/weekends), but they often pay a slightly higher hourly rate to offset the schedule. Hiring trend: Very high demand.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs are filled through networking. Join the Texas Society of Medical Assistants (TSMA) local chapter. Attend meetings in the DFW area. It’s where you hear about openings before they hit job boards.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has clear, straightforward requirements for Medical Assistants. It’s a "title protection" state, meaning you can perform tasks under the supervision of a physician, but certification is strongly preferred by employers.

• Requirements: You must complete an accredited MA program (typically 9-12 months). While Texas doesn't have a state-specific license, employers almost universally require national certification.
• Key Certifications:
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This is the gold standard.
  • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
  • National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
• Costs: Certification exam fees range from $120-$150. Continuing education (CEUs) is required every 5 years for CMA, costing roughly $100-$300.
• Timeline: From starting school to getting certified, expect a 10-14 month timeline. Many programs in the area (like those at TCC South Campus or Concorde Career College) offer day and evening classes.
• State Agency: The Texas Medical Board oversees physician supervision. The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) manages any specific clinical training requirements.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from another state with an MA credential, check reciprocity with the AAMA or AMT. Texas generally recognizes these national certifications, making the transition smooth.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Location matters for your commute and lifestyle. Here are the top picks for MAs in Mansfield.

1. Mansfield Historic District (Near Downtown): The charm of older homes, walkable to local shops and parks. Commute to most clinics is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR apartment is around $1,300-$1,400. Ideal for those who want a community feel.
2. Southpointe / Stone Creek: Newer developments, master-planned communities with pools and trails. Very family-oriented. Slightly longer commute to the western clinics (Baylor), but still under 15 minutes. Rent: $1,250-$1,400 for a 1BR.
3. The Vineyard / Rolling Hills: Established neighborhoods with larger lots and mature trees. Quiet, safe, and centrally located. Rent is similar to the city average, about $1,200-$1,350. Great for those who want space without being in a new subdivision.
4. East Mansfield (near I-35E): This area offers better access to Dallas and Arlington clinics. It’s more densely populated, with more apartment complexes. Commute to Texas Health or UT Southwestern is a breeze. Rent is slightly lower, around $1,100-$1,250.
5. Arlington (South of I-20): Technically a different city, but it’s a 5-10 minute drive and offers more affordable and varied housing. If you work at a Texas Health or Medical City clinic in Arlington, living here cuts your commute to nothing. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100-$1,300.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-20 and 360 (the "Mixmaster") can be heavy during rush hour. Living on the same side of the highway as your workplace is a major quality-of-life win.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Medical Assistant role in Mansfield is a fantastic launchpad. The 10-year job growth of 15% isn’t just about more jobs; it’s about evolving roles.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs with certifications in ophthalmology, podiatry, or dermatology can earn 10-15% more. In Mansfield, ophthalmology and orthopedic practices (like those affiliated with Baylor or private groups) are particularly lucrative.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Lead MA / Office Manager: After 5-7 years, you can move into leadership, managing the back office, scheduling, and supply ordering. This can push your salary toward the $45,000-$50,000 range.
  • Clinical Coordinator: For MAs in larger systems, this role involves managing patient flow for a department, a step toward healthcare administration.
  • Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs here use their experience and employer tuition assistance to become LPNs or RNs. TCC South and UT Arlington have excellent bridge programs. This is the most common and lucrative path for long-term growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to an aging population and the expansion of outpatient services. The role will likely become more tech-heavy, with more EMR (Electronic Medical Records) specialization. MAs who are proficient in systems like Epic or Cerner (used by Baylor and Texas Health) will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Mansfield Right for You?

This table summarizes the core trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with major hospital systems and clinics.	Salary ceiling is modest; homeownership requires a dual income or significant advancement.
Lower cost of living compared to Dallas, Austin, or Fort Worth proper.	Car-dependent city; limited public transportation options.
Safe, family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools and community amenities.	Can feel suburban; if you crave a dense urban vibe, it may feel too quiet.
Excellent location for weekend trips to DFW culture, sports, and airports.	Competition is high for entry-level jobs; certification is almost mandatory.
Clear career paths within large healthcare networks.	Growth is in specialization; generalist MAs may see slower wage increases.

Final Recommendation:
Mansfield is an excellent choice for medical assistants who value stability, safety, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those starting a family or looking to build a long-term career without the intense financial pressure of a major city center. However, if your primary goal is to maximize your salary quickly or you thrive in a high-density urban environment, you might find the pace and pay more aligned with Dallas or Austin.

For the median salary earner ($38,648), Mansfield offers a viable, comfortable lifestyle if you budget carefully and plan for career advancement.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Mansfield?
While Texas law doesn’t mandate certification for the title "Medical Assistant," yes, you absolutely should be certified. Over 95% of job postings from major employers in the area (Baylor, Texas Health) list CMA or RMA as a required or highly preferred qualification. It’s the single most important factor in getting hired.

2. Is the commute from Mansfield to Dallas or Fort Worth hospitals manageable?
Yes, but it depends on the time. A commute to Baylor Dallas or Parkland in the morning can take 30-45 minutes. To Texas Health Fort Worth, it’s about 20-30 minutes. Living in Mansfield and working in a closer suburb like Arlington is the sweet spot for a sub-15-minute commute.

3. How competitive is the job market for entry-level MAs?
It’s competitive, but not impossible. Having a certification and being willing to work in high-volume settings (urgent care, large primary care clinics) will set you apart. Many employers here offer "earn while you learn" programs for recent graduates from local schools.

4. What’s the best way to find a job here before moving?
Use LinkedIn and set your location to "Mansfield, TX." Network with local recruiters from Baylor Scott & White or Texas Health. Also, check the career pages of specific clinics like Mansfield Family Medicine. Many jobs are posted directly on employer sites.

5. Are there opportunities for part-time or flexible schedules?
Yes, especially in urgent care centers or outpatient surgery centers. Larger hospital systems also offer part-time roles with benefits prorated. It’s a great way to gain experience if you’re balancing family or further education.

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Medical Board, local real estate market reports (Q2 2024), and employer career pages.