The Complete Career Guide for Medical Assistants in Round Rock, TX

As someone who’s watched Round Rock transform from a quiet suburb into a bustling healthcare hub, I can tell you it’s a solid choice for Medical Assistants (MAs). It’s not Austin, but it’s close enough to tap into that market without the brutal commute or downtown rent. This guide is built on real data, local knowledge, and the numbers provided. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

When you’re crunching numbers, the first thing to know is that Round Rock’s salary for Medical Assistants hovers right at the national median. The median salary here is $37,994/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.27/hour. For context, the national average for MAs is $38,270/year, so you’re not taking a pay cut by choosing Round Rock—you’re landing squarely in the middle. With 263 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 15%, the market is stable and expanding, keeping pace with the region’s population boom.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level. These figures are estimates based on local hiring trends and the provided median.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$32,000 - $36,000	Phlebotomy, vitals, patient intake, basic EMR tasks.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$37,000 - $42,000	Specialized clinic duties, back-office management, patient education.
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$42,000 - $48,000+	Lead MA, training new staff, complex scheduling, inventory.
Expert/Supervisor (10+ yrs)	$48,000 - $55,000+	Office manager, clinical coordinator, compliance officer.

How Round Rock Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin Metro: Salaries are typically 10-15% higher (median ~$42,000), but cost of living and rent are significantly steeper.
• Killeen-Temple: Similar cost of living, but salaries often lag slightly behind Round Rock’s median.
• Waco: Lower cost of living, but also lower salaries and fewer specialty opportunities.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Higher salaries (median ~$40,000), but a much larger, more competitive job market and higher rent.

Insider Tip: Round Rock’s strength is its proximity to Austin. Many MAs live here and commute to Austin for the higher pay, or work for Austin-based employers with clinics in Round Rock (like Baylor Scott & White). This gives you options.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about the numbers. A median salary of $37,994/year translates to about $3,166/month pre-tax. After federal, state (Texas has no income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay will be roughly $2,850 - $2,950/month. This is your starting point.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $2,900 Take-Home):

• Rent (1BR average): -$1,635
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$150
• Groceries: -$300
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in TX): -$400
• Gas/Transport: -$120
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$200
• Misc., Savings, Debt: -$95

This leaves a tight but manageable budget. The Cost of Living Index for Round Rock is 97.6 (US avg = 100), meaning it’s slightly cheaper than the national average, primarily due to lower housing costs than Austin. However, with the average 1BR rent at $1,635, housing is your biggest expense.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
On a single MA income, buying a home in Round Rock is challenging but not impossible with discipline. The median home price is around $380,000. A 20% down payment is $76,000. With a $37,994/year salary, you’d likely need to partner with another income or wait for a significant career advancement (e.g., into a supervisory role). However, the 10-year job growth of 15% suggests your earning potential will increase, making homeownership a more realistic long-term goal.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock’s healthcare scene is anchored by a few key players. The job market is competitive, but not oversaturated.

1. St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center: The largest employer in the city. They have a 24/7 ER and a wide range of specialties. Hiring is constant, especially for MAs in orthopedics, cardiology, and primary care. They often have tuition reimbursement for further certifications.
2. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Round Rock: Part of the massive Baylor Scott & White system. They have a strong focus on family medicine and pediatrics. Known for good benefits and clear career ladders. Their clinic at I-35 & Hesters Crossing is a major hub.
3. Ascension Seton Williamson: Located just south of Round Rock in Georgetown, but a major feeder. They serve a large pediatric and family population. Good for MAs interested in women’s health or pediatrics.
4. Austin Regional Clinic (ARC): While based in Austin, ARC has several clinics in Round Rock (e.g., ARC Kyle Parkway). They are a top-tier private practice group. Hiring is competitive; they look for MAs with strong EMR (Epic) experience.
5. Dell Children’s Medical Center (North Campus): Located in Round Rock, this is a specialized pediatric facility. It’s a fantastic option for MAs who want to work with children. Requires patience and a love for pediatrics.
6. Round Rock Family Medicine & Associates: A large, independent practice. Offers a more intimate clinic setting compared to a hospital. Great for building relationships with patients and providers.
7. Texas State University Health Center: Located on the main campus in San Marcos (a 30-minute drive), but a notable employer with excellent benefits and a student-focused environment.

Hiring Trends: There’s a slight shift toward MAs with certified credentials (CMA, RMA) and experience with specific EMR systems (Epic is king in Central Texas). Telehealth support roles are also growing. The 263 jobs in the metro area are not all in downtown Round Rock; many are in satellite clinics along I-35 and in neighboring Georgetown.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not require state licensure for Medical Assistants. This is a major advantage for quick entry but places more emphasis on national certification.

Required Certifications (The De Facto Standard):

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Requires graduation from an accredited program and passing an exam.
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) from the American Technologists (AMT). Similar requirements.
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

Costs & Timeline:

• Accredited Training Program: 9-12 months. Tuition ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the school (e.g., Austin Community College, Temple College, private career schools).
• Exam Fee: ~$250.
• Continuing Education: Required to maintain certification (e.g., CMA requires 60 credits every 5 years).

Insider Tip: Many local employers (like St. David’s) will hire you as an on-the-job trained MA if you have a high school diploma and relevant experience, but they often require you to get certified within a year. For the best job prospects and pay, get certified before you apply.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Your commute and lifestyle depend heavily on where you live. Round Rock is car-centric, so factor in gas and time.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown Round Rock	Walkable, historic charm, close to St. David’s.	$1,550 - $1,750	Those who want a short commute to the main hospital and like local cafes/stores.
Teravista / Forest Creek	Family-oriented, newer homes, great parks. Commute to hospitals is 10-15 mins.	$1,500 - $1,700	MAs starting families or who want a quieter, suburban feel.
The Oaks / Round Rock West	Established, tree-lined, more affordable. 15-20 mins to most employers.	$1,400 - $1,600	Budget-conscious MAs who want space and a mature community.
Brushy Creek	Modern apartments, close to shopping (The Round Rock), good highway access.	$1,600 - $1,800	Young professionals who value convenience and proximity to retail/dining.
Georgetown (South)	Historic, slightly lower rent, but a 15-20 minute commute to Round Rock hospitals.	$1,300 - $1,550	MAs willing to commute for lower rent and a charming small-town vibe.

Commute Reality Check: Traffic on I-35 is notoriously bad, especially during rush hour. If you work at St. David’s, living in Downtown RR is ideal. For Dell Children’s (north), living in Brushy Creek or Teravista is perfect. Always use Google Maps during your interview stage to test drive commute times.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Round Rock is a great place to build a career, not just get a job.

Specialty Premiums: MAs in high-demand specialties can earn 10-15% above the median.

• Cardiology & Orthopedics: $40,000 - $44,000 (requires knowledge of EKGs, casting, etc.).
• Pediatrics: $38,000 - $42,000 (high demand at Dell Children’s).
• Oncology/Hematology: $41,000 - $45,000+ (often at larger systems like Baylor).

Advancement Paths:

1. Clinical Ladder: Move from MA to Lead MA or Clinical Coordinator (adds $5k-$10k to salary).
2. Specialization: Become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or EKG Technician to increase value.
3. Administration: Transition to a Practice Manager or Compliance Officer role, often requiring a bachelor’s degree.
4. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs use their experience to enter accelerated BSN programs. Austin Community College and Texas State University offer bridges.

10-Year Outlook: With 15% job growth, demand will remain strong. The key will be adapting to tech (telehealth, AI-assisted diagnostics) and pursuing further education to stay ahead of the curve.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: 263 jobs and 15% growth guarantee opportunities.	Car-Dependent: You need a reliable car; public transit is limited.
Stable Pay: Median of $37,994 is solid for the cost of living.	Competition: You’re competing with Austin’s larger talent pool.
Affordable Proximity: Live near Austin without paying Austin rent ($1,635 avg).	Limited Nightlife: Not a bustling city; it’s a suburb.
Major Employers: Top-tier hospitals and clinics are local.	Traffic: I-35 congestion can make commutes unpredictable.
Texas Benefits: No state income tax, lower regulatory burden.	Seasonal Allergies: The "Cedar Fever" is real and can be brutal.

Final Recommendation: Round Rock is an excellent choice for a Medical Assistant who values job stability, a reasonable cost of living, and proximity to a major metro. It’s perfect for someone in their 20s-30s looking to start a career, or for a family-oriented MA who wants space and good schools. It’s less ideal if you crave a walkable, urban environment or don’t want to drive. If you’re certified and ready to work, Round Rock offers a solid foundation to build your life and career.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified to get a job in Round Rock?
A: It’s not legally required, but it’s the standard. Most employers (St. David’s, Baylor) list "CMA/RMA preferred or required" in job postings. Getting certified will get you higher pay and better job security.

Q: How is the commute from Austin to Round Rock for a Medical Assistant job?
A: It’s a reverse commute (from Austin to RR), which is generally easier than the other way around. Still, I-35 is busy. Expect 30-45 minutes each way, more during peak hours. Many MAs live in Round Rock and commute to Austin for higher pay, which is often a wiser financial move.

Q: What’s the best way to find a job here?
A: Use local hospital career sites (St. David’s, Baylor), LinkedIn, and indeed.com. Also, network with the Central Texas chapter of the AAMA. Many jobs are filled through referrals.

Q: Is the cost of living truly sustainable on a median MA salary?
A: Yes, but with careful budgeting. The $1,635 rent is the biggest hurdle. Living with a roommate or choosing a slightly older apartment in neighborhoods like The Oaks can free up $200-$300/month for savings or debt repayment.

Q: Are there opportunities for advancement without a college degree?
A: Absolutely. Many MAs advance to Lead MA or Office Manager roles based on experience and performance. However, for roles like Practice Administrator or moving into nursing, a degree becomes important. Use employer tuition reimbursement to start classes part-time.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas Workforce Commission, Round Rock Economic Development, Austin Board of Realtors, local employer career pages (2023 data). Salary data and growth projections were provided as part of this analysis.