Medical Coder Pay

Buckeye vs Mesa: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Buckeye, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Buckeye, AZ
$36,669
$17.63/hr
Mesa, AZ
$38,652
$18.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuckeye, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$36,669$38,652
Hourly Rate$17.63$18.58
Entry Level (P10)$27,706$27,955
25th Percentile$31,791$32,812
75th Percentile$45,512$49,333
Top Earner (P90)$56,838$59,911
Total Employed1998
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buckeye ($36,669) and Mesa ($38,652) medical coder salaries.BuckeyeMesaMedian Salary$36,669$38,652Entry Level (P10)$27,706$27,955Top Earner (P90)$56,838$59,911US Median $41,861

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buckeye.

The salary gap between Buckeye and Mesa is $1,983 (5.41%). Mesa's median is -7.67% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buckeye spans $29,132,Mesa spans $31,956. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Buckeye
P10 (Entry)$27,706
P25$31,791
Median$36,669
P75$45,512
P90 (Top)$56,838
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$27,955
P25$32,812
Median$38,652
P75$49,333
P90 (Top)$59,911

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($39,241 effective) pays 5.41% more than Buckeye ($37,227 effective).

Buckeye
Nominal: $36,669
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $37,227
Mesa
Nominal: $38,652
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $39,241

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Buckeye if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,652/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,911)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,241)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Buckeye grew -28.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -31.4% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Buckeye, AZ

+-28.8%

$50,341 (2024) → $35,838 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+-31.4%

$55,050 (2024) → $37,776 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Buckeye or Mesa?

Mesa has a higher median medical coder salary at $38,652/year, compared to Buckeye at $36,669/year — a difference of $1,983 (5.41%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buckeye and Mesa?

Buckeye medical coders earn $17.63/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $18.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Buckeye to Mesa as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buckeye and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buckeye = $37,227, Mesa = $39,241), job availability (19 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Buckeye vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $27,706 in Buckeye and $27,955 in Mesa. The Mesa 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