Medical Coder Pay

Albany vs Jamestown: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Albany, NY and Jamestown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, NY
$45,725
$21.99/hr
Jamestown, NY
$41,045
$19.74/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, NYJamestown, NY
Median Salary$45,725$41,045
Hourly Rate$21.99$19.74
Entry Level (P10)$32,988$29,182
25th Percentile$39,021$36,603
75th Percentile$52,216$50,646
Top Earner (P90)$63,299$61,759
Total Employed6105
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($45,725) and Jamestown ($41,045) medical coder salaries.AlbanyJamestownMedian Salary$45,725$41,045Entry Level (P10)$32,988$29,182Top Earner (P90)$63,299$61,759US Median $41,861

Verdict

Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jamestown.

The salary gap between Albany and Jamestown is $4,680 (11.40%). Albany's median is +9.23% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $30,311,Jamestown spans $32,577. Jamestown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$32,988
P25$39,021
Median$45,725
P75$52,216
P90 (Top)$63,299
Jamestown
P10 (Entry)$29,182
P25$36,603
Median$41,045
P75$50,646
P90 (Top)$61,759

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($45,924 effective) pays 29.68% more than Jamestown ($35,414 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $45,725
CoL Index: 99.566
Adjusted: $45,924
Jamestown
Nominal: $41,045
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $35,414

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Albany if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,725/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,299)
  • Larger job market (610 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,924)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Jamestown if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Albany grew -5.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -38.6% growth in Jamestown over the same period.

Albany, NY

+-5.5%

$47,270 (2021) → $44,688 (2025)

Jamestown, NY

+-38.6%

$65,349 (2024) → $40,114 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Albany or Jamestown?

Albany has a higher median medical coder salary at $45,725/year, compared to Jamestown at $41,045/year — a difference of $4,680 (11.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Jamestown?

Albany medical coders earn $21.99/hr while Jamestown hygienists earn $19.74/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Jamestown as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Jamestown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $45,924, Jamestown = $35,414), job availability (610 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Albany vs Jamestown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,988 in Albany and $29,182 in Jamestown. The Albany area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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