Medical Coder Pay

Austin vs Wichita Falls: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Austin, TX and Wichita Falls, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$40,101
$19.28/hr
Wichita Falls, TX
$36,917
$17.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXWichita Falls, TX
Median Salary$40,101$36,917
Hourly Rate$19.28$17.75
Entry Level (P10)$21,193$24,377
25th Percentile$32,227$30,262
75th Percentile$52,470$48,197
Top Earner (P90)$65,239$51,078
Total Employed1,320110
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($40,101) and Wichita Falls ($36,917) medical coder salaries.AustinWichita FallsMedian Salary$40,101$36,917Entry Level (P10)$21,193$24,377Top Earner (P90)$65,239$51,078US Median $41,861

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita Falls.

The salary gap between Austin and Wichita Falls is $3,184 (8.62%). Austin's median is -4.20% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $44,046,Wichita Falls spans $26,701. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$21,193
P25$32,227
Median$40,101
P75$52,470
P90 (Top)$65,239
Wichita Falls
P10 (Entry)$24,377
P25$30,262
Median$36,917
P75$48,197
P90 (Top)$51,078

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita Falls ($41,242 effective) pays 0.86% more than Austin ($40,892 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $40,101
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $40,892
Wichita Falls
Nominal: $36,917
CoL Index: 89.513
Adjusted: $41,242

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,101/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,239)
  • Larger job market (1,320 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Wichita Falls if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,242)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Austin grew -15.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -16.4% growth in Wichita Falls over the same period.

Austin, TX

+-15.2%

$46,220 (2021) → $39,192 (2025)

Wichita Falls, TX

+-16.4%

$43,180 (2021) → $36,080 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Austin or Wichita Falls?

Austin has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,101/year, compared to Wichita Falls at $36,917/year — a difference of $3,184 (8.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Wichita Falls?

Austin medical coders earn $19.28/hr while Wichita Falls hygienists earn $17.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Wichita Falls as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Wichita Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $40,892, Wichita Falls = $41,242), job availability (1,320 vs 110 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Austin vs Wichita Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,193 in Austin and $24,377 in Wichita Falls. The Wichita Falls 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