Charlotte vs Fayetteville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,837 | $42,213▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.12 | $20.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,865▲ | $29,886 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,122▲ | $32,407 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,814▲ | $55,670 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,196▲ | $66,156 |
| Total Employed | 1,450▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Fayetteville are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Fayetteville is $376 (0.90%). Fayetteville's median is +0.84% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $34,331,Fayetteville spans $36,270. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($45,895 effective) pays 6.79% more than Charlotte ($42,977 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,196)
- ✓Larger job market (1,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,213/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,895)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Charlotte grew -3.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -11.2% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$42,250 (2021) → $40,888 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$46,460 (2021) → $41,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Charlotte or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Fayetteville as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Charlotte vs Fayetteville?
Related Comparisons
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.
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