Medical Coder Pay

Brandon vs Hattiesburg: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Brandon, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brandon, MS
$27,353
$13.15/hr
Hattiesburg, MS
$35,689
$17.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrandon, MSHattiesburg, MS
Median Salary$27,353$35,689
Hourly Rate$13.15$17.16
Entry Level (P10)$20,729$23,141
25th Percentile$23,737$29,845
75th Percentile$34,721$38,939
Top Earner (P90)$42,397$48,999
Total Employed6200
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brandon ($27,353) and Hattiesburg ($35,689) medical coder salaries.BrandonHattiesburgMedian Salary$27,353$35,689Entry Level (P10)$20,729$23,141Top Earner (P90)$42,397$48,999US Median $41,861

Verdict

Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brandon.

The salary gap between Brandon and Hattiesburg is $8,336 (30.48%). Hattiesburg's median is -14.74% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brandon spans $21,668,Hattiesburg spans $25,858. Hattiesburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Brandon
P10 (Entry)$20,729
P25$23,737
Median$27,353
P75$34,721
P90 (Top)$42,397
Hattiesburg
P10 (Entry)$23,141
P25$29,845
Median$35,689
P75$38,939
P90 (Top)$48,999

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hattiesburg ($40,726 effective) pays 27.60% more than Brandon ($31,917 effective).

Brandon
Nominal: $27,353
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $31,917
Hattiesburg
Nominal: $35,689
CoL Index: 87.633
Adjusted: $40,726

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brandon if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Hattiesburg if…

  • Higher median salary ($35,689/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($48,999)
  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,726)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Brandon grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.5% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.

Brandon, MS

+-13.9%

$31,037 (2024) → $26,733 (2025)

Hattiesburg, MS

+-3.5%

$36,150 (2021) → $34,880 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Brandon or Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg has a higher median medical coder salary at $35,689/year, compared to Brandon at $27,353/year — a difference of $8,336 (30.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brandon and Hattiesburg?

Brandon medical coders earn $13.15/hr while Hattiesburg hygienists earn $17.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brandon to Hattiesburg as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brandon and Hattiesburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brandon = $31,917, Hattiesburg = $40,726), job availability (6 vs 200 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Brandon vs Hattiesburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $20,729 in Brandon and $23,141 in Hattiesburg. The Hattiesburg 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