Medical Coder Pay

Houston vs San Angelo: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Houston, TX and San Angelo, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$41,951
$20.17/hr
San Angelo, TX
$38,415
$18.47/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXSan Angelo, TX
Median Salary$41,951$38,415
Hourly Rate$20.17$18.47
Entry Level (P10)$31,228$29,714
25th Percentile$37,122$34,650
75th Percentile$53,738$40,011
Top Earner (P90)$65,902$49,146
Total Employed3,680120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($41,951) and San Angelo ($38,415) medical coder salaries.HoustonSan AngeloMedian Salary$41,951$38,415Entry Level (P10)$31,228$29,714Top Earner (P90)$65,902$49,146US Median $41,861

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Angelo.

The salary gap between Houston and San Angelo is $3,536 (9.20%). Houston's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $34,674,San Angelo spans $19,432. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$31,228
P25$37,122
Median$41,951
P75$53,738
P90 (Top)$65,902
San Angelo
P10 (Entry)$29,714
P25$34,650
Median$38,415
P75$40,011
P90 (Top)$49,146

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($42,534 effective) pays 2.37% more than San Angelo ($41,551 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $41,951
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $42,534
San Angelo
Nominal: $38,415
CoL Index: 92.453
Adjusted: $41,551

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,951/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,902)
  • Larger job market (3,680 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,534)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose San Angelo if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Houston grew -6.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.3% growth in San Angelo over the same period.

Houston, TX

+-6.8%

$44,010 (2021) → $41,000 (2025)

San Angelo, TX

+6.3%

$35,310 (2021) → $37,544 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Houston or San Angelo?

Houston has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,951/year, compared to San Angelo at $38,415/year — a difference of $3,536 (9.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Angelo?

Houston medical coders earn $20.17/hr while San Angelo hygienists earn $18.47/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to San Angelo as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and San Angelo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $42,534, San Angelo = $41,551), job availability (3,680 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Houston vs San Angelo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,228 in Houston and $29,714 in San Angelo. The Houston 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