Auburn vs Portland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,026 | $46,707▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.77 | $22.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,467 | $35,984▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,234 | $37,973▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,292 | $53,452▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,723 | $64,928▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $7,681 (19.68%). Portland's median is +11.58% 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,Portland spans $28,944. Portland 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, Portland ($45,855 effective) pays 17.03% more than Auburn ($39,183 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,707/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,928)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,855)
- ✓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 21.4% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$46,799 (2024) → $38,141 (2025)
Portland, ME
$37,610 (2021) → $45,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Auburn vs Portland?
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