Medical Coder Pay

Bellevue vs Lincoln: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Bellevue, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bellevue, NE
$29,673
$14.26/hr
Lincoln, NE
$40,822
$19.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, NELincoln, NE
Median Salary$29,673$40,822
Hourly Rate$14.26$19.62
Entry Level (P10)$21,603$31,637
25th Percentile$25,204$36,287
75th Percentile$37,981$50,890
Top Earner (P90)$45,993$59,927
Total Employed15270
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($29,673) and Lincoln ($40,822) medical coder salaries.BellevueLincolnMedian Salary$29,673$40,822Entry Level (P10)$21,603$31,637Top Earner (P90)$45,993$59,927US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellevue.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Lincoln is $11,149 (37.57%). Lincoln's median is -2.48% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $24,390,Lincoln spans $28,290. Lincoln has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Bellevue
P10 (Entry)$21,603
P25$25,204
Median$29,673
P75$37,981
P90 (Top)$45,993
Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$31,637
P25$36,287
Median$40,822
P75$50,890
P90 (Top)$59,927

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($44,575 effective) pays 37.45% more than Bellevue ($32,430 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $29,673
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $32,430
Lincoln
Nominal: $40,822
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $44,575

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bellevue if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,822/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,927)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,575)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Bellevue grew -28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Lincoln over the same period.

Bellevue, NE

+-28.8%

$40,757 (2024) → $29,000 (2025)

Lincoln, NE

+6.4%

$37,500 (2021) → $39,896 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Bellevue or Lincoln?

Lincoln has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,822/year, compared to Bellevue at $29,673/year — a difference of $11,149 (37.57%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Lincoln?

Bellevue medical coders earn $14.26/hr while Lincoln hygienists earn $19.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bellevue to Lincoln as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Lincoln. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $32,430, Lincoln = $44,575), job availability (15 vs 270 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Bellevue vs Lincoln?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $21,603 in Bellevue and $31,637 in Lincoln. The Lincoln 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