Medical Coder Pay

Cleveland Heights vs Columbus: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Cleveland Heights, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cleveland Heights, OH
$37,098
$17.83/hr
Columbus, OH
$41,935
$20.16/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCleveland Heights, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$37,098$41,935
Hourly Rate$17.83$20.16
Entry Level (P10)$28,011$32,988
25th Percentile$32,002$38,611
75th Percentile$46,106$53,468
Top Earner (P90)$56,500$65,870
Total Employed91,380
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cleveland Heights ($37,098) and Columbus ($41,935) medical coder salaries.Cleveland HeightsColumbusMedian Salary$37,098$41,935Entry Level (P10)$28,011$32,988Top Earner (P90)$56,500$65,870US Median $41,861

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland Heights.

The salary gap between Cleveland Heights and Columbus is $4,837 (13.04%). Columbus's median is +0.18% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland Heights spans $28,489,Columbus spans $32,882. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Cleveland Heights
P10 (Entry)$28,011
P25$32,002
Median$37,098
P75$46,106
P90 (Top)$56,500
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$32,988
P25$38,611
Median$41,935
P75$53,468
P90 (Top)$65,870

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($43,925 effective) pays 7.39% more than Cleveland Heights ($40,902 effective).

Cleveland Heights
Nominal: $37,098
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $40,902
Columbus
Nominal: $41,935
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $43,925

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cleveland Heights if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,935/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,870)
  • Larger job market (1,380 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,925)
  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Cleveland Heights grew -12.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.4% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Cleveland Heights, OH

+-12.2%

$41,313 (2024) → $36,257 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+-12.4%

$46,810 (2021) → $40,984 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Cleveland Heights or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,935/year, compared to Cleveland Heights at $37,098/year — a difference of $4,837 (13.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland Heights and Columbus?

Cleveland Heights medical coders earn $17.83/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $20.16/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cleveland Heights to Columbus as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cleveland Heights and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cleveland Heights = $40,902, Columbus = $43,925), job availability (9 vs 1,380 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Cleveland Heights vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $28,011 in Cleveland Heights and $32,988 in Columbus. The Columbus 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