Medical Coder Pay

Brookings vs Sioux Falls: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Brookings, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brookings, SD
$28,712
$13.80/hr
Sioux Falls, SD
$42,246
$20.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrookings, SDSioux Falls, SD
Median Salary$28,712$42,246
Hourly Rate$13.80$20.31
Entry Level (P10)$22,594$27,749
25th Percentile$25,322$32,636
75th Percentile$35,280$52,871
Top Earner (P90)$42,622$65,550
Total Employed4430
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brookings ($28,712) and Sioux Falls ($42,246) medical coder salaries.BrookingsSioux FallsMedian Salary$28,712$42,246Entry Level (P10)$22,594$27,749Top Earner (P90)$42,622$65,550US Median $41,861

Verdict

Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookings.

The salary gap between Brookings and Sioux Falls is $13,534 (47.14%). Sioux Falls's median is +0.92% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookings spans $20,028,Sioux Falls spans $37,801. Sioux Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Brookings
P10 (Entry)$22,594
P25$25,322
Median$28,712
P75$35,280
P90 (Top)$42,622
Sioux Falls
P10 (Entry)$27,749
P25$32,636
Median$42,246
P75$52,871
P90 (Top)$65,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sioux Falls ($46,613 effective) pays 50.66% more than Brookings ($30,940 effective).

Brookings
Nominal: $28,712
CoL Index: 92.8
Adjusted: $30,940
Sioux Falls
Nominal: $42,246
CoL Index: 90.631
Adjusted: $46,613

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brookings if…

  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Choose Sioux Falls if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,246/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,550)
  • Larger job market (430 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,613)
  • You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Brookings grew -25.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.

Brookings, SD

+-25.6%

$37,723 (2024) → $28,061 (2025)

Sioux Falls, SD

+-12.2%

$47,000 (2021) → $41,288 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Brookings or Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,246/year, compared to Brookings at $28,712/year — a difference of $13,534 (47.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brookings and Sioux Falls?

Brookings medical coders earn $13.80/hr while Sioux Falls hygienists earn $20.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brookings to Sioux Falls as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brookings and Sioux Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brookings = $30,940, Sioux Falls = $46,613), job availability (4 vs 430 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Brookings vs Sioux Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $22,594 in Brookings and $27,749 in Sioux Falls. The Sioux Falls 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