Medical Coder Pay

Baltimore vs Towson: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Baltimore, MD
$48,614
$23.37/hr
Towson, MD
$48,426
$23.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBaltimore, MDTowson, MD
Median Salary$48,614$48,426
Hourly Rate$23.37$23.28
Entry Level (P10)$28,977$36,850
25th Percentile$37,744$42,179
75th Percentile$54,369$61,985
Top Earner (P90)$71,247$75,060
Total Employed1,36011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Baltimore ($48,614) and Towson ($48,426) medical coder salaries.BaltimoreTowsonMedian Salary$48,614$48,426Entry Level (P10)$28,977$36,850Top Earner (P90)$71,247$75,060US Median $41,861

Verdict

Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Towson.

The salary gap between Baltimore and Towson is $188 (0.39%). 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,Towson spans $38,210. 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
Towson
P10 (Entry)$36,850
P25$42,179
Median$48,426
P75$61,985
P90 (Top)$75,060

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($46,526 effective) pays 5.01% more than Towson ($44,306 effective).

Baltimore
Nominal: $48,614
CoL Index: 104.487
Adjusted: $46,526
Towson
Nominal: $48,426
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $44,306

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)
  • Larger job market (1,360 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,526)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Towson if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($75,060)
  • 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 -24.3% growth in Towson over the same period.

Baltimore, MD

+-0.9%

$47,950 (2021) → $47,512 (2025)

Towson, MD

+-24.3%

$62,517 (2024) → $47,328 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Baltimore or Towson?

Baltimore has a higher median medical coder salary at $48,614/year, compared to Towson at $48,426/year — a difference of $188 (0.39%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Towson?

Baltimore medical coders earn $23.37/hr while Towson hygienists earn $23.28/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Baltimore and Towson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Baltimore = $46,526, Towson = $44,306), job availability (1,360 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,977 in Baltimore and $36,850 in Towson. The Towson 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