Boston vs New Bedford: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Boston, MA and New Bedford, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | New Bedford, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,490▲ | $48,152 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.80▲ | $23.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,277▲ | $36,025 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,240 | $41,605▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,801▲ | $60,634 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,335 | $74,635▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Bedford.
The salary gap between Boston and New Bedford is $1,338 (2.78%). Boston's median is +18.22% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $30,058,New Bedford spans $38,610. New Bedford 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, Boston ($45,711 effective) pays 3.00% more than New Bedford ($44,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,490/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,711)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose New Bedford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,635)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Boston grew -18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -20.0% growth in New Bedford over the same period.
Boston, MA
$59,210 (2021) → $48,368 (2025)
New Bedford, MA
$58,810 (2021) → $47,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
New Bedford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Boston or New Bedford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and New Bedford?
Should I relocate from Boston to New Bedford as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Boston vs New Bedford?
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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