Medical Coder Pay

Boston vs Fitchburg: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Boston, MA and Fitchburg, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$49,490
$23.80/hr
Fitchburg, MA
$47,139
$22.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAFitchburg, MA
Median Salary$49,490$47,139
Hourly Rate$23.80$22.66
Entry Level (P10)$37,277$34,697
25th Percentile$40,240$40,002
75th Percentile$61,801$59,030
Top Earner (P90)$67,335$72,290
Total Employed2,63010
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($49,490) and Fitchburg ($47,139) medical coder salaries.BostonFitchburgMedian Salary$49,490$47,139Entry Level (P10)$37,277$34,697Top Earner (P90)$67,335$72,290US Median $41,861

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fitchburg.

The salary gap between Boston and Fitchburg is $2,351 (4.99%). Boston's median is +18.22% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $30,058,Fitchburg spans $37,593. Fitchburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$37,277
P25$40,240
Median$49,490
P75$61,801
P90 (Top)$67,335
Fitchburg
P10 (Entry)$34,697
P25$40,002
Median$47,139
P75$59,030
P90 (Top)$72,290

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($45,711 effective) pays 5.21% more than Fitchburg ($43,446 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $49,490
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $45,711
Fitchburg
Nominal: $47,139
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $43,446

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($49,490/year)
  • Larger job market (2,630 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,711)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Fitchburg if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($72,290)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Boston grew -18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -28.2% growth in Fitchburg over the same period.

Boston, MA

+-18.3%

$59,210 (2021) → $48,368 (2025)

Fitchburg, MA

+-28.2%

$64,205 (2024) → $46,070 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Boston or Fitchburg?

Boston has a higher median medical coder salary at $49,490/year, compared to Fitchburg at $47,139/year — a difference of $2,351 (4.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Fitchburg?

Boston medical coders earn $23.80/hr while Fitchburg hygienists earn $22.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Fitchburg as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Fitchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $45,711, Fitchburg = $43,446), job availability (2,630 vs 10 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Boston vs Fitchburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $37,277 in Boston and $34,697 in Fitchburg. The Boston 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