Medical Coder Pay

Springfield vs Watertown: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Springfield, MA and Watertown, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Springfield, MA
$47,526
$22.85/hr
Watertown, MA
$47,176
$22.68/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSpringfield, MAWatertown, MA
Median Salary$47,526$47,176
Hourly Rate$22.85$22.68
Entry Level (P10)$33,651$34,786
25th Percentile$39,184$41,904
75th Percentile$52,994$58,033
Top Earner (P90)$65,174$70,867
Total Employed2907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Springfield ($47,526) and Watertown ($47,176) medical coder salaries.SpringfieldWatertownMedian Salary$47,526$47,176Entry Level (P10)$33,651$34,786Top Earner (P90)$65,174$70,867US Median $41,861

Verdict

Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.

The salary gap between Springfield and Watertown is $350 (0.74%). Springfield's median is +13.53% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $31,523,Watertown spans $36,081. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Springfield
P10 (Entry)$33,651
P25$39,184
Median$47,526
P75$52,994
P90 (Top)$65,174
Watertown
P10 (Entry)$34,786
P25$41,904
Median$47,176
P75$58,033
P90 (Top)$70,867

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($49,475 effective) pays 13.79% more than Watertown ($43,480 effective).

Springfield
Nominal: $47,526
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $49,475
Watertown
Nominal: $47,176
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $43,480

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,526/year)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,475)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Watertown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,867)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Springfield grew -2.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -28.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.

Springfield, MA

+-2.6%

$47,670 (2021) → $46,448 (2025)

Watertown, MA

+-28.2%

$64,256 (2024) → $46,106 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Springfield or Watertown?

Springfield has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,526/year, compared to Watertown at $47,176/year — a difference of $350 (0.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Watertown?

Springfield medical coders earn $22.85/hr while Watertown hygienists earn $22.68/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Springfield to Watertown as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Springfield and Watertown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Springfield = $49,475, Watertown = $43,480), job availability (290 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Springfield vs Watertown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $33,651 in Springfield and $34,786 in Watertown. The Watertown 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