Medical Coder Pay

Dallas vs Port Arthur: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$42,680
$20.53/hr
Port Arthur, TX
$34,565
$16.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXPort Arthur, TX
Median Salary$42,680$34,565
Hourly Rate$20.53$16.62
Entry Level (P10)$31,064$25,019
25th Percentile$37,416$29,144
75th Percentile$54,614$43,394
Top Earner (P90)$65,640$53,576
Total Employed5,21012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($42,680) and Port Arthur ($34,565) medical coder salaries.DallasPort ArthurMedian Salary$42,680$34,565Entry Level (P10)$31,064$25,019Top Earner (P90)$65,640$53,576US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Port Arthur is $8,115 (23.48%). 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,Port Arthur spans $28,557. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$31,064
P25$37,416
Median$42,680
P75$54,614
P90 (Top)$65,640
Port Arthur
P10 (Entry)$25,019
P25$29,144
Median$34,565
P75$43,394
P90 (Top)$53,576

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($41,401 effective) pays 14.99% more than Port Arthur ($36,005 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $42,680
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $41,401
Port Arthur
Nominal: $34,565
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $36,005

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,640)
  • Larger job market (5,210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,401)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Port Arthur if…

  • 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 -30.5% growth in Port Arthur over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+-10.6%

$46,660 (2021) → $41,712 (2025)

Port Arthur, TX

+-30.5%

$48,609 (2024) → $33,781 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Dallas or Port Arthur?

Dallas has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,680/year, compared to Port Arthur at $34,565/year — a difference of $8,115 (23.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Port Arthur?

Dallas medical coders earn $20.53/hr while Port Arthur hygienists earn $16.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Port Arthur as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Port Arthur. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $41,401, Port Arthur = $36,005), job availability (5,210 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,064 in Dallas and $25,019 in Port Arthur. 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