Medical Coder Pay

Alamogordo vs Farmington: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Alamogordo, NM
$30,757
$14.79/hr
Farmington, NM
$44,775
$21.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMFarmington, NM
Median Salary$30,757$44,775
Hourly Rate$14.79$21.53
Entry Level (P10)$21,940$28,977
25th Percentile$26,775$34,977
75th Percentile$39,124$55,335
Top Earner (P90)$47,674$63,905
Total Employed890
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($30,757) and Farmington ($44,775) medical coder salaries.AlamogordoFarmingtonMedian Salary$30,757$44,775Entry Level (P10)$21,940$28,977Top Earner (P90)$47,674$63,905US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Farmington is $14,018 (45.58%). Farmington's median is +6.96% 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,Farmington spans $34,928. Farmington 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
Farmington
P10 (Entry)$28,977
P25$34,977
Median$44,775
P75$55,335
P90 (Top)$63,905

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Farmington ($51,051 effective) pays 56.69% more than Alamogordo ($32,582 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $30,757
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $32,582
Farmington
Nominal: $44,775
CoL Index: 87.707
Adjusted: $51,051

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 Farmington if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,775/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,905)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,051)
  • 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 7.8% growth in Farmington over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+-28.8%

$42,248 (2024) → $30,060 (2025)

Farmington, NM

+7.8%

$40,600 (2021) → $43,760 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alamogordo or Farmington?

Farmington has a higher median medical coder salary at $44,775/year, compared to Alamogordo at $30,757/year — a difference of $14,018 (45.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Farmington?

Alamogordo medical coders earn $14.79/hr while Farmington hygienists earn $21.53/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Farmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $32,582, Farmington = $51,051), job availability (8 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,940 in Alamogordo and $28,977 in Farmington. The Farmington 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