Medical Coder Pay

Alamogordo vs Las Cruces: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Alamogordo, NM
$30,757
$14.79/hr
Las Cruces, NM
$36,148
$17.37/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMLas Cruces, NM
Median Salary$30,757$36,148
Hourly Rate$14.79$17.37
Entry Level (P10)$21,940$27,021
25th Percentile$26,775$30,663
75th Percentile$39,124$47,190
Top Earner (P90)$47,674$58,715
Total Employed8110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($30,757) and Las Cruces ($36,148) medical coder salaries.AlamogordoLas CrucesMedian Salary$30,757$36,148Entry Level (P10)$21,940$27,021Top Earner (P90)$47,674$58,715US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Las Cruces is $5,391 (17.53%). Las Cruces's median is -13.65% 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,Las Cruces spans $31,694. Las Cruces 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
Las Cruces
P10 (Entry)$27,021
P25$30,663
Median$36,148
P75$47,190
P90 (Top)$58,715

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Las Cruces ($40,070 effective) pays 22.98% more than Alamogordo ($32,582 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $30,757
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $32,582
Las Cruces
Nominal: $36,148
CoL Index: 90.212
Adjusted: $40,070

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 Las Cruces if…

  • Higher median salary ($36,148/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,715)
  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,070)
  • 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 1.1% growth in Las Cruces over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+-28.8%

$42,248 (2024) → $30,060 (2025)

Las Cruces, NM

+1.1%

$34,940 (2021) → $35,328 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alamogordo or Las Cruces?

Las Cruces has a higher median medical coder salary at $36,148/year, compared to Alamogordo at $30,757/year — a difference of $5,391 (17.53%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Las Cruces?

Alamogordo medical coders earn $14.79/hr while Las Cruces hygienists earn $17.37/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Las Cruces as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Las Cruces. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $32,582, Las Cruces = $40,070), job availability (8 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,940 in Alamogordo and $27,021 in Las Cruces. The Las Cruces 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