Medical Coder Pay

Charlottesville vs Virginia Beach: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Charlottesville, VA
$51,242
$24.64/hr
Virginia Beach, VA
$41,411
$19.91/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCharlottesville, VAVirginia Beach, VA
Median Salary$51,242$41,411
Hourly Rate$24.64$19.91
Entry Level (P10)$32,423$30,450
25th Percentile$42,622$35,075
75th Percentile$53,919$50,996
Top Earner (P90)$61,629$61,883
Total Employed220970
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Charlottesville ($51,242) and Virginia Beach ($41,411) medical coder salaries.CharlottesvilleVirginia BeachMedian Salary$51,242$41,411Entry Level (P10)$32,423$30,450Top Earner (P90)$61,629$61,883US Median $41,861

Verdict

Charlottesville and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach is $9,831 (23.74%). 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,Virginia Beach spans $31,433. Virginia Beach 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
Virginia Beach
P10 (Entry)$30,450
P25$35,075
Median$41,411
P75$50,996
P90 (Top)$61,883

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Charlottesville ($51,683 effective) pays 22.24% more than Virginia Beach ($42,282 effective).

Charlottesville
Nominal: $51,242
CoL Index: 99.146
Adjusted: $51,683
Virginia Beach
Nominal: $41,411
CoL Index: 97.941
Adjusted: $42,282

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 purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,683)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Virginia Beach if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($61,883)
  • Larger job market (970 employed)
  • 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 -13.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.

Charlottesville, VA

+4.7%

$47,850 (2021) → $50,080 (2025)

Virginia Beach, VA

+-13.2%

$46,640 (2021) → $40,472 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Charlottesville or Virginia Beach?

Charlottesville has a higher median medical coder salary at $51,242/year, compared to Virginia Beach at $41,411/year — a difference of $9,831 (23.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Virginia Beach?

Charlottesville medical coders earn $24.64/hr while Virginia Beach hygienists earn $19.91/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Virginia Beach as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Charlottesville and Virginia Beach. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Charlottesville = $51,683, Virginia Beach = $42,282), job availability (220 vs 970 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,423 in Charlottesville and $30,450 in Virginia Beach. 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