Medical Coder Pay

Dallas vs Odessa: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Dallas, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$42,680
$20.53/hr
Odessa, TX
$41,264
$19.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXOdessa, TX
Median Salary$42,680$41,264
Hourly Rate$20.53$19.84
Entry Level (P10)$31,064$28,731
25th Percentile$37,416$31,122
75th Percentile$54,614$53,370
Top Earner (P90)$65,640$67,122
Total Employed5,21050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($42,680) and Odessa ($41,264) medical coder salaries.DallasOdessaMedian Salary$42,680$41,264Entry Level (P10)$31,064$28,731Top Earner (P90)$65,640$67,122US Median $41,861

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Odessa.

The salary gap between Dallas and Odessa is $1,416 (3.43%). Dallas's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $34,576,Odessa spans $38,391. Odessa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$31,064
P25$37,416
Median$42,680
P75$54,614
P90 (Top)$65,640
Odessa
P10 (Entry)$28,731
P25$31,122
Median$41,264
P75$53,370
P90 (Top)$67,122

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Odessa ($43,946 effective) pays 6.15% more than Dallas ($41,401 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $42,680
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $41,401
Odessa
Nominal: $41,264
CoL Index: 93.896
Adjusted: $43,946

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,680/year)
  • Larger job market (5,210 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Odessa if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($67,122)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,946)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Dallas grew -10.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Odessa over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+-10.6%

$46,660 (2021) → $41,712 (2025)

Odessa, TX

+9.2%

$36,930 (2021) → $40,328 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Dallas or Odessa?

Dallas has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,680/year, compared to Odessa at $41,264/year — a difference of $1,416 (3.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Odessa?

Dallas medical coders earn $20.53/hr while Odessa hygienists earn $19.84/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Odessa as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Odessa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $41,401, Odessa = $43,946), job availability (5,210 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Dallas vs Odessa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,064 in Dallas and $28,731 in Odessa. The Dallas 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