Medical Coder Pay

Charlottesville vs Lynchburg: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Lynchburg, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Charlottesville, VA
$51,242
$24.64/hr
Lynchburg, VA
$38,620
$18.56/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlottesville, VALynchburg, VA
Median Salary$51,242$38,620
Hourly Rate$24.64$18.56
Entry Level (P10)$32,423$29,689
25th Percentile$42,622$33,766
75th Percentile$53,919$51,176
Top Earner (P90)$61,629$60,500
Total Employed220150
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlottesville ($51,242) and Lynchburg ($38,620) medical coder salaries.CharlottesvilleLynchburgMedian Salary$51,242$38,620Entry Level (P10)$32,423$29,689Top Earner (P90)$61,629$60,500US Median $41,861

Verdict

Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lynchburg.

The salary gap between Charlottesville and Lynchburg is $12,622 (32.68%). Charlottesville's median is +22.41% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $29,206,Lynchburg spans $30,811. Lynchburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Charlottesville
P10 (Entry)$32,423
P25$42,622
Median$51,242
P75$53,919
P90 (Top)$61,629
Lynchburg
P10 (Entry)$29,689
P25$33,766
Median$38,620
P75$51,176
P90 (Top)$60,500

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlottesville ($51,683 effective) pays 19.59% more than Lynchburg ($43,217 effective).

Charlottesville
Nominal: $51,242
CoL Index: 99.146
Adjusted: $51,683
Lynchburg
Nominal: $38,620
CoL Index: 89.363
Adjusted: $43,217

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Charlottesville if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,242/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,629)
  • Larger job market (220 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,683)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Lynchburg if…

  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Charlottesville grew 4.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -13.9% growth in Lynchburg over the same period.

Charlottesville, VA

+4.7%

$47,850 (2021) → $50,080 (2025)

Lynchburg, VA

+-13.9%

$43,840 (2021) → $37,744 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Charlottesville or Lynchburg?

Charlottesville has a higher median medical coder salary at $51,242/year, compared to Lynchburg at $38,620/year — a difference of $12,622 (32.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Lynchburg?

Charlottesville medical coders earn $24.64/hr while Lynchburg hygienists earn $18.56/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Lynchburg as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlottesville and Lynchburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlottesville = $51,683, Lynchburg = $43,217), job availability (220 vs 150 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Charlottesville vs Lynchburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,423 in Charlottesville and $29,689 in Lynchburg. The Charlottesville 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