Medical Coder Pay

Atlanta vs Kennesaw: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Atlanta, GA and Kennesaw, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$48,254
$23.20/hr
Kennesaw, GA
$36,639
$17.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAKennesaw, GA
Median Salary$48,254$36,639
Hourly Rate$23.20$17.62
Entry Level (P10)$32,178$28,022
25th Percentile$37,998$31,056
75th Percentile$58,895$45,791
Top Earner (P90)$73,973$56,222
Total Employed2,7908
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($48,254) and Kennesaw ($36,639) medical coder salaries.AtlantaKennesawMedian Salary$48,254$36,639Entry Level (P10)$32,178$28,022Top Earner (P90)$73,973$56,222US Median $41,861

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennesaw.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Kennesaw is $11,615 (31.70%). Atlanta's median is +15.27% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $41,795,Kennesaw spans $28,200. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$32,178
P25$37,998
Median$48,254
P75$58,895
P90 (Top)$73,973
Kennesaw
P10 (Entry)$28,022
P25$31,056
Median$36,639
P75$45,791
P90 (Top)$56,222

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($48,226 effective) pays 22.54% more than Kennesaw ($39,354 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $48,254
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $48,226
Kennesaw
Nominal: $36,639
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $39,354

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,254/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($73,973)
  • Larger job market (2,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,226)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Kennesaw if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Atlanta grew 10.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -16.1% growth in Kennesaw over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+10.8%

$42,550 (2021) → $47,160 (2025)

Kennesaw, GA

+-16.1%

$42,662 (2024) → $35,808 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Atlanta or Kennesaw?

Atlanta has a higher median medical coder salary at $48,254/year, compared to Kennesaw at $36,639/year — a difference of $11,615 (31.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Kennesaw?

Atlanta medical coders earn $23.20/hr while Kennesaw hygienists earn $17.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Kennesaw as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Kennesaw. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $48,226, Kennesaw = $39,354), job availability (2,790 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Atlanta vs Kennesaw?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,178 in Atlanta and $28,022 in Kennesaw. The Atlanta 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