Medical Coder Pay

Birmingham vs Daphne: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Birmingham, AL and Daphne, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Birmingham, AL
$38,055
$18.29/hr
Daphne, AL
$36,794
$17.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBirmingham, ALDaphne, AL
Median Salary$38,055$36,794
Hourly Rate$18.29$17.69
Entry Level (P10)$27,283$23,927
25th Percentile$30,786$24,139
75th Percentile$46,142$41,010
Top Earner (P90)$54,835$49,637
Total Employed49060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Birmingham ($38,055) and Daphne ($36,794) medical coder salaries.BirminghamDaphneMedian Salary$38,055$36,794Entry Level (P10)$27,283$23,927Top Earner (P90)$54,835$49,637US Median $41,861

Verdict

Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Daphne.

The salary gap between Birmingham and Daphne is $1,261 (3.43%). Birmingham's median is -9.09% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $27,552,Daphne spans $25,710. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Birmingham
P10 (Entry)$27,283
P25$30,786
Median$38,055
P75$46,142
P90 (Top)$54,835
Daphne
P10 (Entry)$23,927
P25$24,139
Median$36,794
P75$41,010
P90 (Top)$49,637

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($41,525 effective) pays 6.86% more than Daphne ($38,857 effective).

Birmingham
Nominal: $38,055
CoL Index: 91.644
Adjusted: $41,525
Daphne
Nominal: $36,794
CoL Index: 94.69
Adjusted: $38,857

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Birmingham if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,055/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,835)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,525)
  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Choose Daphne if…

  • You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Birmingham grew -0.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Daphne over the same period.

Birmingham, AL

+-0.9%

$37,530 (2021) → $37,192 (2025)

Daphne, AL

+-0.7%

$36,210 (2021) → $35,960 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Birmingham or Daphne?

Birmingham has a higher median medical coder salary at $38,055/year, compared to Daphne at $36,794/year — a difference of $1,261 (3.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Daphne?

Birmingham medical coders earn $18.29/hr while Daphne hygienists earn $17.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Birmingham to Daphne as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Birmingham and Daphne. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Birmingham = $41,525, Daphne = $38,857), job availability (490 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Birmingham vs Daphne?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $27,283 in Birmingham and $23,927 in Daphne. The Birmingham 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