Medical Coder Pay

Alamogordo vs Santa Fe: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Alamogordo, NM
$30,757
$14.79/hr
Santa Fe, NM
$50,980
$24.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlamogordo, NMSanta Fe, NM
Median Salary$30,757$50,980
Hourly Rate$14.79$24.51
Entry Level (P10)$21,940$31,302
25th Percentile$26,775$37,801
75th Percentile$39,124$62,587
Top Earner (P90)$47,674$82,306
Total Employed890
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Alamogordo ($30,757) and Santa Fe ($50,980) medical coder salaries.AlamogordoSanta FeMedian Salary$30,757$50,980Entry Level (P10)$21,940$31,302Top Earner (P90)$47,674$82,306US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Alamogordo and Santa Fe is $20,223 (65.75%). Santa Fe's median is +21.78% 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,Santa Fe spans $51,004. Santa Fe 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
Santa Fe
P10 (Entry)$31,302
P25$37,801
Median$50,980
P75$62,587
P90 (Top)$82,306

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Santa Fe ($51,616 effective) pays 58.42% more than Alamogordo ($32,582 effective).

Alamogordo
Nominal: $30,757
CoL Index: 94.4
Adjusted: $32,582
Santa Fe
Nominal: $50,980
CoL Index: 98.767
Adjusted: $51,616

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 Santa Fe if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,980/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($82,306)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,616)
  • 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 6.8% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.

Alamogordo, NM

+-28.8%

$42,248 (2024) → $30,060 (2025)

Santa Fe, NM

+6.8%

$46,660 (2021) → $49,824 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Alamogordo or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,980/year, compared to Alamogordo at $30,757/year — a difference of $20,223 (65.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Alamogordo and Santa Fe?

Alamogordo medical coders earn $14.79/hr while Santa Fe hygienists earn $24.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Alamogordo to Santa Fe as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Alamogordo and Santa Fe. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Alamogordo = $32,582, Santa Fe = $51,616), job availability (8 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,940 in Alamogordo and $31,302 in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe 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