Columbus vs Jackson: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Columbus, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Jackson, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $26,988 | $33,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $12.97 | $16.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $19,745 | $25,776▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $24,387 | $28,731▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $32,755 | $42,933▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $39,276 | $50,407▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 590▲ |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Jackson is $6,638 (24.60%). Jackson's median is -19.67% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $19,531,Jackson spans $24,631. Jackson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($37,762 effective) pays 19.91% more than Columbus ($31,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,626/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,407)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $37,762)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Columbus grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.5% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$30,623 (2024) → $26,376 (2025)
Jackson, MS
$37,150 (2021) → $32,864 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Jackson, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Columbus or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Jackson as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Columbus vs Jackson?
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.
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