Medical Coder Pay

Boston vs Wellesley: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Boston, MA
$49,490
$23.80/hr
Wellesley, MA
$45,407
$21.84/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MAWellesley, MA
Median Salary$49,490$45,407
Hourly Rate$23.80$21.84
Entry Level (P10)$37,277$34,368
25th Percentile$40,240$39,232
75th Percentile$61,801$57,540
Top Earner (P90)$67,335$70,380
Total Employed2,6306
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($49,490) and Wellesley ($45,407) medical coder salaries.BostonWellesleyMedian Salary$49,490$45,407Entry Level (P10)$37,277$34,368Top Earner (P90)$67,335$70,380US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Boston and Wellesley is $4,083 (8.99%). 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,Wellesley spans $36,012. Wellesley 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
Wellesley
P10 (Entry)$34,368
P25$39,232
Median$45,407
P75$57,540
P90 (Top)$70,380

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($45,711 effective) pays 9.23% more than Wellesley ($41,850 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $49,490
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $45,711
Wellesley
Nominal: $45,407
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $41,850

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 Wellesley if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($70,380)
  • 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 Wellesley over the same period.

Boston, MA

+-18.3%

$59,210 (2021) → $48,368 (2025)

Wellesley, MA

+-28.2%

$61,846 (2024) → $44,377 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Boston or Wellesley?

Boston has a higher median medical coder salary at $49,490/year, compared to Wellesley at $45,407/year — a difference of $4,083 (8.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Wellesley?

Boston medical coders earn $23.80/hr while Wellesley hygienists earn $21.84/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Wellesley. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $45,711, Wellesley = $41,850), job availability (2,630 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $37,277 in Boston and $34,368 in Wellesley. 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