Medical Coder Pay

Chicago vs Schaumburg: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Chicago, IL and Schaumburg, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$47,452
$22.82/hr
Schaumburg, IL
$40,165
$19.31/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILSchaumburg, IL
Median Salary$47,452$40,165
Hourly Rate$22.82$19.31
Entry Level (P10)$33,937$30,255
25th Percentile$39,086$34,783
75th Percentile$53,607$49,839
Top Earner (P90)$64,232$62,256
Total Employed4,51013
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($47,452) and Schaumburg ($40,165) medical coder salaries.ChicagoSchaumburgMedian Salary$47,452$40,165Entry Level (P10)$33,937$30,255Top Earner (P90)$64,232$62,256US Median $41,861

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schaumburg.

The salary gap between Chicago and Schaumburg is $7,287 (18.14%). Chicago's median is +13.36% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $30,295,Schaumburg spans $32,001. Schaumburg has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$33,937
P25$39,086
Median$47,452
P75$53,607
P90 (Top)$64,232
Schaumburg
P10 (Entry)$30,255
P25$34,783
Median$40,165
P75$49,839
P90 (Top)$62,256

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($45,805 effective) pays 10.74% more than Schaumburg ($41,365 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $47,452
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $45,805
Schaumburg
Nominal: $40,165
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $41,365

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,452/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,232)
  • Larger job market (4,510 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,805)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Schaumburg if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Chicago grew -1.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in Schaumburg over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+-1.2%

$46,920 (2021) → $46,376 (2025)

Schaumburg, IL

+-17.7%

$47,678 (2024) → $39,254 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Chicago or Schaumburg?

Chicago has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,452/year, compared to Schaumburg at $40,165/year — a difference of $7,287 (18.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Schaumburg?

Chicago medical coders earn $22.82/hr while Schaumburg hygienists earn $19.31/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Schaumburg as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Schaumburg. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $45,805, Schaumburg = $41,365), job availability (4,510 vs 13 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Chicago vs Schaumburg?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $33,937 in Chicago and $30,255 in Schaumburg. The Chicago 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