Medical Coder Pay

Buffalo vs Freeport: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Buffalo, NY and Freeport, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Buffalo, NY
$49,302
$23.71/hr
Freeport, NY
$40,012
$19.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuffalo, NYFreeport, NY
Median Salary$49,302$40,012
Hourly Rate$23.71$19.24
Entry Level (P10)$32,480$30,127
25th Percentile$38,882$34,453
75th Percentile$58,281$49,667
Top Earner (P90)$68,473$60,839
Total Employed83010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buffalo ($49,302) and Freeport ($40,012) medical coder salaries.BuffaloFreeportMedian Salary$49,302$40,012Entry Level (P10)$32,480$30,127Top Earner (P90)$68,473$60,839US Median $41,861

Verdict

Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Freeport.

The salary gap between Buffalo and Freeport is $9,290 (23.22%). Buffalo's median is +17.78% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $35,993,Freeport spans $30,712. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Buffalo
P10 (Entry)$32,480
P25$38,882
Median$49,302
P75$58,281
P90 (Top)$68,473
Freeport
P10 (Entry)$30,127
P25$34,453
Median$40,012
P75$49,667
P90 (Top)$60,839

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($51,440 effective) pays 49.00% more than Freeport ($34,523 effective).

Buffalo
Nominal: $49,302
CoL Index: 95.844
Adjusted: $51,440
Freeport
Nominal: $40,012
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $34,523

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Buffalo if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,302/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($68,473)
  • Larger job market (830 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,440)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Freeport if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Buffalo grew 1.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.6% growth in Freeport over the same period.

Buffalo, NY

+1.9%

$47,270 (2021) → $48,184 (2025)

Freeport, NY

+-38.6%

$63,706 (2024) → $39,105 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Buffalo or Freeport?

Buffalo has a higher median medical coder salary at $49,302/year, compared to Freeport at $40,012/year — a difference of $9,290 (23.22%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Freeport?

Buffalo medical coders earn $23.71/hr while Freeport hygienists earn $19.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Buffalo to Freeport as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buffalo and Freeport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buffalo = $51,440, Freeport = $34,523), job availability (830 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Buffalo vs Freeport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,480 in Buffalo and $30,127 in Freeport. The Buffalo 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