Medical Coder Pay

Lexington vs Nicholasville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Lexington, KY and Nicholasville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lexington, KY
$40,732
$19.58/hr
Nicholasville, KY
$36,814
$17.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLexington, KYNicholasville, KY
Median Salary$40,732$36,814
Hourly Rate$19.58$17.70
Entry Level (P10)$30,958$26,971
25th Percentile$36,279$31,183
75th Percentile$48,778$45,216
Top Earner (P90)$58,674$55,050
Total Employed5406
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lexington ($40,732) and Nicholasville ($36,814) medical coder salaries.LexingtonNicholasvilleMedian Salary$40,732$36,814Entry Level (P10)$30,958$26,971Top Earner (P90)$58,674$55,050US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Nicholasville.

The salary gap between Lexington and Nicholasville is $3,918 (10.64%). Lexington's median is -2.70% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $27,716,Nicholasville spans $28,079. Nicholasville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Lexington
P10 (Entry)$30,958
P25$36,279
Median$40,732
P75$48,778
P90 (Top)$58,674
Nicholasville
P10 (Entry)$26,971
P25$31,183
Median$36,814
P75$45,216
P90 (Top)$55,050

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($43,850 effective) pays 6.37% more than Nicholasville ($41,225 effective).

Lexington
Nominal: $40,732
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $43,850
Nicholasville
Nominal: $36,814
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $41,225

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,732/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,674)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,850)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Nicholasville if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Lexington grew -12.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Nicholasville over the same period.

Lexington, KY

+-12.0%

$45,250 (2021) → $39,808 (2025)

Nicholasville, KY

+-7.0%

$38,697 (2024) → $35,979 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Lexington or Nicholasville?

Lexington has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,732/year, compared to Nicholasville at $36,814/year — a difference of $3,918 (10.64%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Nicholasville?

Lexington medical coders earn $19.58/hr while Nicholasville hygienists earn $17.70/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lexington to Nicholasville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lexington and Nicholasville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lexington = $43,850, Nicholasville = $41,225), job availability (540 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Lexington vs Nicholasville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,958 in Lexington and $26,971 in Nicholasville. The Lexington 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