Medical Coder Pay

Auburn vs Bangor: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Auburn, ME and Bangor, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Auburn, ME
$39,026
$18.77/hr
Bangor, ME
$38,292
$18.41/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAuburn, MEBangor, ME
Median Salary$39,026$38,292
Hourly Rate$18.77$18.41
Entry Level (P10)$28,467$32,603
25th Percentile$35,234$36,393
75th Percentile$47,292$46,224
Top Earner (P90)$56,723$52,281
Total Employed6110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Auburn ($39,026) and Bangor ($38,292) medical coder salaries.AuburnBangorMedian Salary$39,026$38,292Entry Level (P10)$28,467$32,603Top Earner (P90)$56,723$52,281US Median $41,861

Verdict

Auburn, ME offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bangor.

The salary gap between Auburn and Bangor is $734 (1.92%). Auburn's median is -6.77% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $28,256,Bangor spans $19,678. Auburn has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Auburn
P10 (Entry)$28,467
P25$35,234
Median$39,026
P75$47,292
P90 (Top)$56,723
Bangor
P10 (Entry)$32,603
P25$36,393
Median$38,292
P75$46,224
P90 (Top)$52,281

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bangor ($39,678 effective) pays 1.26% more than Auburn ($39,183 effective).

Auburn
Nominal: $39,026
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $39,183
Bangor
Nominal: $38,292
CoL Index: 96.508
Adjusted: $39,678

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Auburn if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,026/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($56,723)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Bangor if…

  • Larger job market (110 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,678)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Auburn grew -18.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Bangor over the same period.

Auburn, ME

+-18.5%

$46,799 (2024) → $38,141 (2025)

Bangor, ME

+1.3%

$36,930 (2021) → $37,424 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Auburn or Bangor?

Auburn has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,026/year, compared to Bangor at $38,292/year — a difference of $734 (1.92%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bangor?

Auburn medical coders earn $18.77/hr while Bangor hygienists earn $18.41/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Auburn to Bangor as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Auburn and Bangor. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Auburn = $39,183, Bangor = $39,678), job availability (6 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Auburn vs Bangor?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,467 in Auburn and $32,603 in Bangor. The Bangor area offers higher starting salaries.
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