Ankeny vs Iowa City: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Ankeny, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ankeny, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,548 | $54,303▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.01 | $26.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,178 | $38,505▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,759 | $44,538▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,621 | $54,303▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,299 | $65,534▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ankeny.
The salary gap between Ankeny and Iowa City is $14,755 (37.31%). Iowa City's median is +29.72% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ankeny spans $32,121,Iowa City spans $27,029. Ankeny has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Iowa City ($59,342 effective) pays 35.65% more than Ankeny ($43,748 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ankeny if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,534)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,342)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Ankeny grew -4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.9% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Ankeny, IA
$40,412 (2024) → $38,651 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$60,930 (2021) → $53,072 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ankeny, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Ankeny or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ankeny and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Ankeny to Iowa City as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Ankeny vs Iowa City?
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.
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