Medical Coder Pay

Alameda vs Los Angeles: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Alameda, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alameda, CA
$46,991
$22.59/hr
Los Angeles, CA
$48,385
$23.27/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlameda, CALos Angeles, CA
Median Salary$46,991$48,385
Hourly Rate$22.59$23.27
Entry Level (P10)$34,621$34,142
25th Percentile$40,077$39,209
75th Percentile$60,149$66,000
Top Earner (P90)$72,836$82,912
Total Employed127,240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alameda ($46,991) and Los Angeles ($48,385) medical coder salaries.AlamedaLos AngelesMedian Salary$46,991$48,385Entry Level (P10)$34,621$34,142Top Earner (P90)$72,836$82,912US Median $41,861

Verdict

Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alameda.

The salary gap between Alameda and Los Angeles is $1,394 (2.97%). Los Angeles's median is +15.58% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alameda spans $38,215,Los Angeles spans $48,770. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Alameda
P10 (Entry)$34,621
P25$40,077
Median$46,991
P75$60,149
P90 (Top)$72,836
Los Angeles
P10 (Entry)$34,142
P25$39,209
Median$48,385
P75$66,000
P90 (Top)$82,912

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($42,605 effective) pays 2.54% more than Alameda ($41,548 effective).

Alameda
Nominal: $46,991
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $41,548
Los Angeles
Nominal: $48,385
CoL Index: 113.566
Adjusted: $42,605

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alameda if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Los Angeles if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,385/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,912)
  • Larger job market (7,240 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,605)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Alameda grew -36.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.

Alameda, CA

+-36.6%

$72,495 (2024) → $45,926 (2025)

Los Angeles, CA

+-3.1%

$48,810 (2021) → $47,288 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alameda or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has a higher median medical coder salary at $48,385/year, compared to Alameda at $46,991/year — a difference of $1,394 (2.97%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alameda and Los Angeles?

Alameda medical coders earn $22.59/hr while Los Angeles hygienists earn $23.27/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alameda to Los Angeles as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alameda and Los Angeles. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alameda = $41,548, Los Angeles = $42,605), job availability (12 vs 7,240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Alameda vs Los Angeles?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,621 in Alameda and $34,142 in Los Angeles. The Alameda area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AP

Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC

Career Analyst

Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov