Appleton vs Madison: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,987▲ | $50,636 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.00▲ | $24.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,079 | $39,684▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,175 | $41,296▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,640 | $63,438▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,653 | $65,256▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Appleton and Madison are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $1,351 (2.67%). Appleton's median is +24.19% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $18,574,Madison spans $25,572. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($56,251 effective) pays 8.08% more than Madison ($52,048 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,987/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,251)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,256)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Appleton grew 6.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 2.9% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$47,900 (2021) → $50,808 (2025)
Madison, WI
$48,070 (2021) → $49,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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