Medical Coder Pay

Charleston vs Weirton: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Charleston, WV and Weirton, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charleston, WV
$38,579
$18.55/hr
Weirton, WV
$37,932
$18.23/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharleston, WVWeirton, WV
Median Salary$38,579$37,932
Hourly Rate$18.55$18.23
Entry Level (P10)$27,094$27,880
25th Percentile$30,262$30,696
75th Percentile$48,303$50,251
Top Earner (P90)$54,107$53,550
Total Employed8050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charleston ($38,579) and Weirton ($37,932) medical coder salaries.CharlestonWeirtonMedian Salary$38,579$37,932Entry Level (P10)$27,094$27,880Top Earner (P90)$54,107$53,550US Median $41,861

Verdict

Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Weirton.

The salary gap between Charleston and Weirton is $647 (1.71%). Charleston's median is -7.84% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $27,013,Weirton spans $25,670. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Charleston
P10 (Entry)$27,094
P25$30,262
Median$38,579
P75$48,303
P90 (Top)$54,107
Weirton
P10 (Entry)$27,880
P25$30,696
Median$37,932
P75$50,251
P90 (Top)$53,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($43,485 effective) pays 2.06% more than Weirton ($42,609 effective).

Charleston
Nominal: $38,579
CoL Index: 88.717
Adjusted: $43,485
Weirton
Nominal: $37,932
CoL Index: 89.024
Adjusted: $42,609

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charleston if…

  • Higher median salary ($38,579/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($54,107)
  • Larger job market (80 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,485)
  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Weirton if…

  • You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Charleston grew 2.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Weirton over the same period.

Charleston, WV

+2.1%

$36,930 (2021) → $37,704 (2025)

Weirton, WV

+-0.7%

$37,330 (2021) → $37,072 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Charleston or Weirton?

Charleston has a higher median medical coder salary at $38,579/year, compared to Weirton at $37,932/year — a difference of $647 (1.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Weirton?

Charleston medical coders earn $18.55/hr while Weirton hygienists earn $18.23/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charleston to Weirton as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charleston and Weirton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charleston = $43,485, Weirton = $42,609), job availability (80 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Charleston vs Weirton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $27,094 in Charleston and $27,880 in Weirton. The Weirton 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