Medical Coder Pay

Madison vs Pleasant Prairie: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Madison, WI and Pleasant Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$50,636
$24.34/hr
Pleasant Prairie, WI
$45,902
$22.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIPleasant Prairie, WI
Median Salary$50,636$45,902
Hourly Rate$24.34$22.07
Entry Level (P10)$39,684$34,326
25th Percentile$41,296$39,214
75th Percentile$63,438$56,201
Top Earner (P90)$65,256$70,390
Total Employed4904
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,636) and Pleasant Prairie ($45,902) medical coder salaries.MadisonPleasant PrairieMedian Salary$50,636$45,902Entry Level (P10)$39,684$34,326Top Earner (P90)$65,256$70,390US Median $41,861

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pleasant Prairie.

The salary gap between Madison and Pleasant Prairie is $4,734 (10.31%). Madison's median is +20.96% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,572,Pleasant Prairie spans $36,064. Pleasant Prairie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$39,684
P25$41,296
Median$50,636
P75$63,438
P90 (Top)$65,256
Pleasant Prairie
P10 (Entry)$34,326
P25$39,214
Median$45,902
P75$56,201
P90 (Top)$70,390

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,048 effective) pays 5.91% more than Pleasant Prairie ($49,146 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,636
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,048
Pleasant Prairie
Nominal: $45,902
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $49,146

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,636/year)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,048)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Pleasant Prairie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,390)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Madison grew 2.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Pleasant Prairie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+2.9%

$48,070 (2021) → $49,488 (2025)

Pleasant Prairie, WI

+5.3%

$42,585 (2024) → $44,861 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Madison or Pleasant Prairie?

Madison has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,636/year, compared to Pleasant Prairie at $45,902/year — a difference of $4,734 (10.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Pleasant Prairie?

Madison medical coders earn $24.34/hr while Pleasant Prairie hygienists earn $22.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Pleasant Prairie as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Pleasant Prairie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,048, Pleasant Prairie = $49,146), job availability (490 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Madison vs Pleasant Prairie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $39,684 in Madison and $34,326 in Pleasant Prairie. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
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