Medical Coder Pay

Albany vs Long Beach: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Albany, NY
$45,725
$21.99/hr
Long Beach, NY
$41,619
$20.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, NYLong Beach, NY
Median Salary$45,725$41,619
Hourly Rate$21.99$20.01
Entry Level (P10)$32,988$30,595
25th Percentile$39,021$35,289
75th Percentile$52,216$51,193
Top Earner (P90)$63,299$62,307
Total Employed6107
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($45,725) and Long Beach ($41,619) medical coder salaries.AlbanyLong BeachMedian Salary$45,725$41,619Entry Level (P10)$32,988$30,595Top Earner (P90)$63,299$62,307US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Albany and Long Beach is $4,106 (9.87%). 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,Long Beach spans $31,712. Long Beach 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
Long Beach
P10 (Entry)$30,595
P25$35,289
Median$41,619
P75$51,193
P90 (Top)$62,307

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($45,924 effective) pays 27.89% more than Long Beach ($35,909 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $45,725
CoL Index: 99.566
Adjusted: $45,924
Long Beach
Nominal: $41,619
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $35,909

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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach over the same period.

Albany, NY

+-5.5%

$47,270 (2021) → $44,688 (2025)

Long Beach, NY

+-38.6%

$66,262 (2024) → $40,675 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Albany or Long Beach?

Albany has a higher median medical coder salary at $45,725/year, compared to Long Beach at $41,619/year — a difference of $4,106 (9.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Long Beach?

Albany medical coders earn $21.99/hr while Long Beach hygienists earn $20.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Long Beach as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Long Beach. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $45,924, Long Beach = $35,909), job availability (610 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,988 in Albany and $30,595 in Long Beach. 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