Medical Coder Pay

Milwaukee vs Whitewater: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Whitewater, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milwaukee, WI
$53,804
$25.87/hr
Whitewater, WI
$45,852
$22.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukee, WIWhitewater, WI
Median Salary$53,804$45,852
Hourly Rate$25.87$22.04
Entry Level (P10)$38,652$34,252
25th Percentile$42,549$39,108
75th Percentile$61,392$55,158
Top Earner (P90)$65,493$70,245
Total Employed7504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukee ($53,804) and Whitewater ($45,852) medical coder salaries.MilwaukeeWhitewaterMedian Salary$53,804$45,852Entry Level (P10)$38,652$34,252Top Earner (P90)$65,493$70,245US Median $41,861

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Whitewater.

The salary gap between Milwaukee and Whitewater is $7,952 (17.34%). Milwaukee's median is +28.53% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $26,841,Whitewater spans $35,993. Whitewater has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$38,652
P25$42,549
Median$53,804
P75$61,392
P90 (Top)$65,493
Whitewater
P10 (Entry)$34,252
P25$39,108
Median$45,852
P75$55,158
P90 (Top)$70,245

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($55,504 effective) pays 13.06% more than Whitewater ($49,092 effective).

Milwaukee
Nominal: $53,804
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $55,504
Whitewater
Nominal: $45,852
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $49,092

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,804/year)
  • Larger job market (750 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,504)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Whitewater if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,245)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Milwaukee grew 8.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Whitewater over the same period.

Milwaukee, WI

+8.8%

$48,350 (2021) → $52,584 (2025)

Whitewater, WI

+5.3%

$42,538 (2024) → $44,812 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Milwaukee or Whitewater?

Milwaukee has a higher median medical coder salary at $53,804/year, compared to Whitewater at $45,852/year — a difference of $7,952 (17.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Whitewater?

Milwaukee medical coders earn $25.87/hr while Whitewater hygienists earn $22.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Whitewater as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukee and Whitewater. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukee = $55,504, Whitewater = $49,092), job availability (750 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Milwaukee vs Whitewater?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $38,652 in Milwaukee and $34,252 in Whitewater. The Milwaukee 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