Medical Coder Pay

Cincinnati vs Lima: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Lima, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cincinnati, OH
$42,033
$20.21/hr
Lima, OH
$38,767
$18.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCincinnati, OHLima, OH
Median Salary$42,033$38,767
Hourly Rate$20.21$18.64
Entry Level (P10)$32,317$30,581
25th Percentile$37,678$32,554
75th Percentile$51,798$39,618
Top Earner (P90)$65,223$50,612
Total Employed1,30090
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cincinnati ($42,033) and Lima ($38,767) medical coder salaries.CincinnatiLimaMedian Salary$42,033$38,767Entry Level (P10)$32,317$30,581Top Earner (P90)$65,223$50,612US Median $41,861

Verdict

Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lima.

The salary gap between Cincinnati and Lima is $3,266 (8.42%). Cincinnati's median is +0.41% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $32,906,Lima spans $20,031. Cincinnati has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cincinnati
P10 (Entry)$32,317
P25$37,678
Median$42,033
P75$51,798
P90 (Top)$65,223
Lima
P10 (Entry)$30,581
P25$32,554
Median$38,767
P75$39,618
P90 (Top)$50,612

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cincinnati ($44,074 effective) pays 1.94% more than Lima ($43,233 effective).

Cincinnati
Nominal: $42,033
CoL Index: 95.37
Adjusted: $44,074
Lima
Nominal: $38,767
CoL Index: 89.669
Adjusted: $43,233

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cincinnati if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,033/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,223)
  • Larger job market (1,300 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,074)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Lima if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Cincinnati grew -13.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Lima over the same period.

Cincinnati, OH

+-13.1%

$47,270 (2021) → $41,080 (2025)

Lima, OH

+2.6%

$36,930 (2021) → $37,888 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Cincinnati or Lima?

Cincinnati has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,033/year, compared to Lima at $38,767/year — a difference of $3,266 (8.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Lima?

Cincinnati medical coders earn $20.21/hr while Lima hygienists earn $18.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Lima as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cincinnati and Lima. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cincinnati = $44,074, Lima = $43,233), job availability (1,300 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Cincinnati vs Lima?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,317 in Cincinnati and $30,581 in Lima. The Cincinnati 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