Alexandria vs New Orleans: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Alexandria, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $30,811 | $38,415▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.82 | $18.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,497 | $29,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,766 | $30,319▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,953 | $51,250▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,344 | $63,095▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 750▲ |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alexandria.
The salary gap between Alexandria and New Orleans is $7,604 (24.68%). New Orleans's median is -8.23% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $27,847,New Orleans spans $33,406. New Orleans has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Orleans ($41,486 effective) pays 15.37% more than Alexandria ($35,958 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,415/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,095)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,486)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Alexandria grew -18.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -19.5% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Alexandria, LA
$37,020 (2021) → $30,112 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$46,640 (2021) → $37,544 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Alexandria or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alexandria and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Alexandria to New Orleans as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Alexandria vs New Orleans?
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.
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