Medical Coder Pay

Augusta vs Lewiston: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Augusta, ME and Lewiston, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Augusta, ME
$31,453
$15.12/hr
Lewiston, ME
$39,037
$18.77/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAugusta, MELewiston, ME
Median Salary$31,453$39,037
Hourly Rate$15.12$18.77
Entry Level (P10)$24,862$37,367
25th Percentile$27,821$37,367
75th Percentile$39,391$49,367
Top Earner (P90)$47,893$61,670
Total Employed490
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Augusta ($31,453) and Lewiston ($39,037) medical coder salaries.AugustaLewistonMedian Salary$31,453$39,037Entry Level (P10)$24,862$37,367Top Earner (P90)$47,893$61,670US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.

The salary gap between Augusta and Lewiston is $7,584 (24.11%). Lewiston's median is -6.75% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $23,031,Lewiston spans $24,303. Lewiston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Augusta
P10 (Entry)$24,862
P25$27,821
Median$31,453
P75$39,391
P90 (Top)$47,893
Lewiston
P10 (Entry)$37,367
P25$37,367
Median$39,037
P75$49,367
P90 (Top)$61,670

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($41,206 effective) pays 30.48% more than Augusta ($31,579 effective).

Augusta
Nominal: $31,453
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $31,579
Lewiston
Nominal: $39,037
CoL Index: 94.736
Adjusted: $41,206

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Augusta if…

  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Lewiston if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,670)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,206)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Augusta grew -34.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.2% growth in Lewiston over the same period.

Augusta, ME

+-34.5%

$46,960 (2024) → $30,740 (2025)

Lewiston, ME

+-18.2%

$46,640 (2021) → $38,152 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Augusta or Lewiston?

Lewiston has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,037/year, compared to Augusta at $31,453/year — a difference of $7,584 (24.11%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Lewiston?

Augusta medical coders earn $15.12/hr while Lewiston hygienists earn $18.77/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Augusta to Lewiston as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Augusta and Lewiston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Augusta = $31,579, Lewiston = $41,206), job availability (4 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Augusta vs Lewiston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $24,862 in Augusta and $37,367 in Lewiston. The Lewiston area offers higher starting salaries.
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