Medical Coder Pay

Clarksville vs Memphis: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Clarksville, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Clarksville, TN
$38,513
$18.52/hr
Memphis, TN
$43,466
$20.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricClarksville, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$38,513$43,466
Hourly Rate$18.52$20.89
Entry Level (P10)$29,255$31,564
25th Percentile$30,843$36,164
75th Percentile$46,535$54,221
Top Earner (P90)$58,879$78,197
Total Employed120660
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Clarksville ($38,513) and Memphis ($43,466) medical coder salaries.ClarksvilleMemphisMedian Salary$38,513$43,466Entry Level (P10)$29,255$31,564Top Earner (P90)$58,879$78,197US Median $41,861

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clarksville.

The salary gap between Clarksville and Memphis is $4,953 (12.86%). Memphis's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Clarksville spans $29,624,Memphis spans $46,633. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Clarksville
P10 (Entry)$29,255
P25$30,843
Median$38,513
P75$46,535
P90 (Top)$58,879
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$31,564
P25$36,164
Median$43,466
P75$54,221
P90 (Top)$78,197

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($47,154 effective) pays 11.35% more than Clarksville ($42,347 effective).

Clarksville
Nominal: $38,513
CoL Index: 90.947
Adjusted: $42,347
Memphis
Nominal: $43,466
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $47,154

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Clarksville if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($43,466/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,197)
  • Larger job market (660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,154)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Clarksville grew 2.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -9.6% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Clarksville, TN

+2.4%

$36,770 (2021) → $37,640 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+-9.6%

$47,000 (2021) → $42,480 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Clarksville or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median medical coder salary at $43,466/year, compared to Clarksville at $38,513/year — a difference of $4,953 (12.86%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Clarksville and Memphis?

Clarksville medical coders earn $18.52/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $20.89/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Clarksville to Memphis as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Clarksville and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Clarksville = $42,347, Memphis = $47,154), job availability (120 vs 660 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Clarksville vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $29,255 in Clarksville and $31,564 in Memphis. The Memphis 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