Medical Coder Pay

Baltimore vs Salisbury: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Baltimore, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Baltimore, MD
$48,614
$23.37/hr
Salisbury, MD
$49,384
$23.75/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSalisbury, MD
Median Salary$48,614$49,384
Hourly Rate$23.37$23.75
Entry Level (P10)$28,977$31,302
25th Percentile$37,744$34,985
75th Percentile$54,369$51,422
Top Earner (P90)$71,247$59,239
Total Employed1,36060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($48,614) and Salisbury ($49,384) medical coder salaries.BaltimoreSalisburyMedian Salary$48,614$49,384Entry Level (P10)$28,977$31,302Top Earner (P90)$71,247$59,239US Median $41,861

Verdict

Baltimore and Salisbury are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Salisbury is $770 (1.58%). Salisbury's median is +17.97% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $42,270,Salisbury spans $27,937. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Baltimore
P10 (Entry)$28,977
P25$37,744
Median$48,614
P75$54,369
P90 (Top)$71,247
Salisbury
P10 (Entry)$31,302
P25$34,985
Median$49,384
P75$51,422
P90 (Top)$59,239

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Salisbury ($51,648 effective) pays 11.01% more than Baltimore ($46,526 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $48,614
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $46,526
Salisbury
Nominal: $49,384
CoL Index: 95.617
Adjusted: $51,648

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($71,247)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Salisbury if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,384/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,648)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Baltimore grew -0.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Salisbury over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+-0.9%

$47,950 (2021) → $47,512 (2025)

Salisbury, MD

+3.9%

$46,440 (2021) → $48,264 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Baltimore or Salisbury?

Salisbury has a higher median medical coder salary at $49,384/year, compared to Baltimore at $48,614/year — a difference of $770 (1.58%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Salisbury?

Baltimore medical coders earn $23.37/hr while Salisbury hygienists earn $23.75/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Salisbury as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Salisbury. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $46,526, Salisbury = $51,648), job availability (1,360 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Baltimore vs Salisbury?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,977 in Baltimore and $31,302 in Salisbury. The Salisbury 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