Medical Coder Pay

Alamogordo vs Albuquerque: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Alamogordo, NM and Albuquerque, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Alamogordo, NM
$30,757
$14.79/hr
Albuquerque, NM
$49,130
$23.63/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMAlbuquerque, NM
Median Salary$30,757$49,130
Hourly Rate$14.79$23.63
Entry Level (P10)$21,940$31,375
25th Percentile$26,775$38,939
75th Percentile$39,124$57,258
Top Earner (P90)$47,674$62,301
Total Employed8770
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($30,757) and Albuquerque ($49,130) medical coder salaries.AlamogordoAlbuquerqueMedian Salary$30,757$49,130Entry Level (P10)$21,940$31,375Top Earner (P90)$47,674$62,301US Median $41,861

Verdict

Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alamogordo.

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Albuquerque is $18,373 (59.74%). Albuquerque's median is +17.36% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alamogordo spans $25,734,Albuquerque spans $30,926. Albuquerque has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Alamogordo
P10 (Entry)$21,940
P25$26,775
Median$30,757
P75$39,124
P90 (Top)$47,674
Albuquerque
P10 (Entry)$31,375
P25$38,939
Median$49,130
P75$57,258
P90 (Top)$62,301

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albuquerque ($51,420 effective) pays 57.82% more than Alamogordo ($32,582 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $30,757
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $32,582
Albuquerque
Nominal: $49,130
CoL Index: 95.546
Adjusted: $51,420

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Alamogordo if…

  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Choose Albuquerque if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,130/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,301)
  • Larger job market (770 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,420)
  • You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Alamogordo grew -28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Albuquerque over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+-28.8%

$42,248 (2024) → $30,060 (2025)

Albuquerque, NM

+2.9%

$46,660 (2021) → $48,016 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alamogordo or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a higher median medical coder salary at $49,130/year, compared to Alamogordo at $30,757/year — a difference of $18,373 (59.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Albuquerque?

Alamogordo medical coders earn $14.79/hr while Albuquerque hygienists earn $23.63/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Albuquerque as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Albuquerque. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $32,582, Albuquerque = $51,420), job availability (8 vs 770 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Alamogordo vs Albuquerque?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,940 in Alamogordo and $31,375 in Albuquerque. The Albuquerque 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