Medical Coder Pay

Knoxville vs Morristown: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$39,013
$18.76/hr
Morristown, TN
$33,193
$15.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNMorristown, TN
Median Salary$39,013$33,193
Hourly Rate$18.76$15.96
Entry Level (P10)$30,892$19,580
25th Percentile$31,752$25,555
75th Percentile$45,536$39,193
Top Earner (P90)$60,639$51,283
Total Employed76030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($39,013) and Morristown ($33,193) medical coder salaries.KnoxvilleMorristownMedian Salary$39,013$33,193Entry Level (P10)$30,892$19,580Top Earner (P90)$60,639$51,283US Median $41,861

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Morristown.

The salary gap between Knoxville and Morristown is $5,820 (17.53%). Knoxville's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $29,747,Morristown spans $31,703. Morristown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$30,892
P25$31,752
Median$39,013
P75$45,536
P90 (Top)$60,639
Morristown
P10 (Entry)$19,580
P25$25,555
Median$33,193
P75$39,193
P90 (Top)$51,283

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($42,145 effective) pays 9.66% more than Morristown ($38,434 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $39,013
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $42,145
Morristown
Nominal: $33,193
CoL Index: 86.364
Adjusted: $38,434

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,013/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,639)
  • Larger job market (760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,145)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Morristown if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Knoxville grew 2.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -18.9% growth in Morristown over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+2.7%

$37,110 (2021) → $38,128 (2025)

Morristown, TN

+-18.9%

$39,997 (2024) → $32,440 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Knoxville or Morristown?

Knoxville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,013/year, compared to Morristown at $33,193/year — a difference of $5,820 (17.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Morristown?

Knoxville medical coders earn $18.76/hr while Morristown hygienists earn $15.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to Morristown as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and Morristown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $42,145, Morristown = $38,434), job availability (760 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Knoxville vs Morristown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,892 in Knoxville and $19,580 in Morristown. The Knoxville 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