Medical Coder Pay

Central Point vs Salem: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Central Point, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Central Point, OR
$44,236
$21.27/hr
Salem, OR
$46,666
$22.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCentral Point, ORSalem, OR
Median Salary$44,236$46,666
Hourly Rate$21.27$22.44
Entry Level (P10)$32,973$29,485
25th Percentile$37,677$39,839
75th Percentile$54,038$52,805
Top Earner (P90)$65,154$65,035
Total Employed6290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Central Point ($44,236) and Salem ($46,666) medical coder salaries.Central PointSalemMedian Salary$44,236$46,666Entry Level (P10)$32,973$29,485Top Earner (P90)$65,154$65,035US Median $41,861

Verdict

Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Central Point.

The salary gap between Central Point and Salem is $2,430 (5.49%). Salem's median is +11.48% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central Point spans $32,181,Salem spans $35,550. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Central Point
P10 (Entry)$32,973
P25$37,677
Median$44,236
P75$54,038
P90 (Top)$65,154
Salem
P10 (Entry)$29,485
P25$39,839
Median$46,666
P75$52,805
P90 (Top)$65,035

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($45,023 effective) pays 4.43% more than Central Point ($43,115 effective).

Central Point
Nominal: $44,236
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $43,115
Salem
Nominal: $46,666
CoL Index: 103.649
Adjusted: $45,023

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Central Point if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($65,154)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,666/year)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,023)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Central Point grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Salem over the same period.

Central Point, OR

+-20.6%

$54,464 (2024) → $43,233 (2025)

Salem, OR

+-2.2%

$46,640 (2021) → $45,608 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Central Point or Salem?

Salem has a higher median medical coder salary at $46,666/year, compared to Central Point at $44,236/year — a difference of $2,430 (5.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Central Point and Salem?

Central Point medical coders earn $21.27/hr while Salem hygienists earn $22.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Central Point to Salem as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Central Point and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Central Point = $43,115, Salem = $45,023), job availability (6 vs 290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Central Point vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,973 in Central Point and $29,485 in Salem. The Central Point 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