Medical Coder Pay

Baltimore vs Silver Spring: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$48,614
$23.37/hr
Silver Spring, MD
$35,669
$17.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDSilver Spring, MD
Median Salary$48,614$35,669
Hourly Rate$23.37$17.15
Entry Level (P10)$28,977$26,466
25th Percentile$37,744$30,561
75th Percentile$54,369$45,656
Top Earner (P90)$71,247$55,287
Total Employed1,36012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($48,614) and Silver Spring ($35,669) medical coder salaries.BaltimoreSilver SpringMedian Salary$48,614$35,669Entry Level (P10)$28,977$26,466Top Earner (P90)$71,247$55,287US Median $41,861

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Silver Spring.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Silver Spring is $12,945 (36.29%). Baltimore's median is +16.13% 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,Silver Spring spans $28,821. 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
Silver Spring
P10 (Entry)$26,466
P25$30,561
Median$35,669
P75$45,656
P90 (Top)$55,287

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($46,526 effective) pays 42.57% more than Silver Spring ($32,634 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $48,614
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $46,526
Silver Spring
Nominal: $35,669
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $32,634

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Baltimore if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,614/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($71,247)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,526)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Silver Spring if…

  • 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 -43.6% growth in Silver Spring over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+-0.9%

$47,950 (2021) → $47,512 (2025)

Silver Spring, MD

+-43.6%

$61,773 (2024) → $34,860 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Baltimore or Silver Spring?

Baltimore has a higher median medical coder salary at $48,614/year, compared to Silver Spring at $35,669/year — a difference of $12,945 (36.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Silver Spring?

Baltimore medical coders earn $23.37/hr while Silver Spring hygienists earn $17.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Baltimore to Silver Spring as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Silver Spring. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $46,526, Silver Spring = $32,634), job availability (1,360 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,977 in Baltimore and $26,466 in Silver Spring. The Baltimore 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