Medical Coder Pay

Middletown vs Wilmington: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Middletown, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Middletown, DE
$31,467
$15.13/hr
Wilmington, DE
$41,377
$19.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMiddletown, DEWilmington, DE
Median Salary$31,467$41,377
Hourly Rate$15.13$19.89
Entry Level (P10)$23,789$29,563
25th Percentile$27,045$34,597
75th Percentile$38,669$51,721
Top Earner (P90)$46,717$63,934
Total Employed610
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Middletown ($31,467) and Wilmington ($41,377) medical coder salaries.MiddletownWilmingtonMedian Salary$31,467$41,377Entry Level (P10)$23,789$29,563Top Earner (P90)$46,717$63,934US Median $41,861

Verdict

Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.

The salary gap between Middletown and Wilmington is $9,910 (31.49%). Wilmington's median is -1.16% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $22,928,Wilmington spans $34,371. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Middletown
P10 (Entry)$23,789
P25$27,045
Median$31,467
P75$38,669
P90 (Top)$46,717
Wilmington
P10 (Entry)$29,563
P25$34,597
Median$41,377
P75$51,721
P90 (Top)$63,934

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($40,685 effective) pays 31.49% more than Middletown ($30,941 effective).

Middletown
Nominal: $31,467
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $30,941
Wilmington
Nominal: $41,377
CoL Index: 101.7
Adjusted: $40,685

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Middletown if…

  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Choose Wilmington if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,377/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,934)
  • Larger job market (10 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,685)
  • You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Middletown grew -37.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -24.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.

Middletown, DE

+-37.1%

$48,862 (2024) → $30,754 (2025)

Wilmington, DE

+-24.1%

$53,249 (2024) → $40,439 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Middletown or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,377/year, compared to Middletown at $31,467/year — a difference of $9,910 (31.49%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Wilmington?

Middletown medical coders earn $15.13/hr while Wilmington hygienists earn $19.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Middletown to Wilmington as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Middletown and Wilmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Middletown = $30,941, Wilmington = $40,685), job availability (6 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Middletown vs Wilmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $23,789 in Middletown and $29,563 in Wilmington. The Wilmington 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