Medical Coder Pay

Seattle vs Vancouver: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Seattle, WA and Vancouver, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Seattle, WA
$53,640
$25.79/hr
Vancouver, WA
$50,987
$24.52/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WAVancouver, WA
Median Salary$53,640$50,987
Hourly Rate$25.79$24.52
Entry Level (P10)$39,004$34,863
25th Percentile$43,883$43,492
75th Percentile$66,983$65,264
Top Earner (P90)$82,314$79,030
Total Employed2,83037
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($53,640) and Vancouver ($50,987) medical coder salaries.SeattleVancouverMedian Salary$53,640$50,987Entry Level (P10)$39,004$34,863Top Earner (P90)$82,314$79,030US Median $41,861

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Vancouver.

The salary gap between Seattle and Vancouver is $2,653 (5.20%). Seattle's median is +28.14% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $43,310,Vancouver spans $44,167. Vancouver has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$39,004
P25$43,883
Median$53,640
P75$66,983
P90 (Top)$82,314
Vancouver
P10 (Entry)$34,863
P25$43,492
Median$50,987
P75$65,264
P90 (Top)$79,030

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($48,266 effective) pays 1.67% more than Vancouver ($47,474 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $53,640
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $48,266
Vancouver
Nominal: $50,987
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $47,474

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Seattle if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,640/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,314)
  • Larger job market (2,830 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,266)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Vancouver if…

  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Seattle grew -11.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in Vancouver over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+-11.3%

$59,120 (2021) → $52,424 (2025)

Vancouver, WA

+-26.4%

$67,687 (2024) → $49,831 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Seattle or Vancouver?

Seattle has a higher median medical coder salary at $53,640/year, compared to Vancouver at $50,987/year — a difference of $2,653 (5.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Vancouver?

Seattle medical coders earn $25.79/hr while Vancouver hygienists earn $24.52/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Seattle to Vancouver as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and Vancouver. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $48,266, Vancouver = $47,474), job availability (2,830 vs 37 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Seattle vs Vancouver?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $39,004 in Seattle and $34,863 in Vancouver. The Seattle 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