Medical Coder Pay

Bellevue vs Olympia: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Bellevue, WA
$54,166
$26.04/hr
Olympia, WA
$42,221
$20.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBellevue, WAOlympia, WA
Median Salary$54,166$42,221
Hourly Rate$26.04$20.30
Entry Level (P10)$37,105$28,363
25th Percentile$44,376$37,040
75th Percentile$69,016$50,636
Top Earner (P90)$83,958$65,968
Total Employed26170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bellevue ($54,166) and Olympia ($42,221) medical coder salaries.BellevueOlympiaMedian Salary$54,166$42,221Entry Level (P10)$37,105$28,363Top Earner (P90)$83,958$65,968US Median $41,861

Verdict

Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.

The salary gap between Bellevue and Olympia is $11,945 (28.29%). Bellevue's median is +29.39% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $46,853,Olympia spans $37,605. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bellevue
P10 (Entry)$37,105
P25$44,376
Median$54,166
P75$69,016
P90 (Top)$83,958
Olympia
P10 (Entry)$28,363
P25$37,040
Median$42,221
P75$50,636
P90 (Top)$65,968

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($50,434 effective) pays 23.84% more than Olympia ($40,726 effective).

Bellevue
Nominal: $54,166
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $50,434
Olympia
Nominal: $42,221
CoL Index: 103.67
Adjusted: $40,726

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bellevue if…

  • Higher median salary ($54,166/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($83,958)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,434)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Olympia if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Bellevue grew -22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.0% growth in Olympia over the same period.

Bellevue, WA

+-22.1%

$67,913 (2024) → $52,938 (2025)

Olympia, WA

+-12.0%

$46,910 (2021) → $41,264 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Bellevue or Olympia?

Bellevue has a higher median medical coder salary at $54,166/year, compared to Olympia at $42,221/year — a difference of $11,945 (28.29%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Olympia?

Bellevue medical coders earn $26.04/hr while Olympia hygienists earn $20.30/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bellevue and Olympia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bellevue = $50,434, Olympia = $40,726), job availability (26 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $37,105 in Bellevue and $28,363 in Olympia. The Bellevue 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