Medical Coder Pay

Alabaster vs Huntsville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Alabaster, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alabaster, AL
$34,982
$16.82/hr
Huntsville, AL
$31,228
$15.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlabaster, ALHuntsville, AL
Median Salary$34,982$31,228
Hourly Rate$16.82$15.01
Entry Level (P10)$27,457$27,012
25th Percentile$31,056$30,221
75th Percentile$43,016$43,646
Top Earner (P90)$54,222$52,134
Total Employed8420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alabaster ($34,982) and Huntsville ($31,228) medical coder salaries.AlabasterHuntsvilleMedian Salary$34,982$31,228Entry Level (P10)$27,457$27,012Top Earner (P90)$54,222$52,134US Median $41,861

Verdict

Alabaster, AL offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Huntsville.

The salary gap between Alabaster and Huntsville is $3,754 (12.02%). Alabaster's median is -16.43% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $26,765,Huntsville spans $25,122. Alabaster has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Alabaster
P10 (Entry)$27,457
P25$31,056
Median$34,982
P75$43,016
P90 (Top)$54,222
Huntsville
P10 (Entry)$27,012
P25$30,221
Median$31,228
P75$43,646
P90 (Top)$52,134

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Alabaster ($39,797 effective) pays 18.61% more than Huntsville ($33,553 effective).

Alabaster
Nominal: $34,982
CoL Index: 87.9
Adjusted: $39,797
Huntsville
Nominal: $31,228
CoL Index: 93.072
Adjusted: $33,553

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alabaster if…

  • Higher median salary ($34,982/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,222)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,797)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Huntsville if…

  • Larger job market (420 employed)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Alabaster grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.5% growth in Huntsville over the same period.

Alabaster, AL

+-4.4%

$35,772 (2024) → $34,189 (2025)

Huntsville, AL

+-18.5%

$37,440 (2021) → $30,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alabaster or Huntsville?

Alabaster has a higher median medical coder salary at $34,982/year, compared to Huntsville at $31,228/year — a difference of $3,754 (12.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Huntsville?

Alabaster medical coders earn $16.82/hr while Huntsville hygienists earn $15.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alabaster to Huntsville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alabaster and Huntsville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alabaster = $39,797, Huntsville = $33,553), job availability (8 vs 420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Alabaster vs Huntsville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $27,457 in Alabaster and $27,012 in Huntsville. The Alabaster 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