Medical Coder Pay

Columbus vs Wadsworth: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Columbus, OH
$41,935
$20.16/hr
Wadsworth, OH
$36,042
$17.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbus, OHWadsworth, OH
Median Salary$41,935$36,042
Hourly Rate$20.16$17.33
Entry Level (P10)$32,988$28,078
25th Percentile$38,611$31,694
75th Percentile$53,468$44,965
Top Earner (P90)$65,870$53,363
Total Employed1,3806
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbus ($41,935) and Wadsworth ($36,042) medical coder salaries.ColumbusWadsworthMedian Salary$41,935$36,042Entry Level (P10)$32,988$28,078Top Earner (P90)$65,870$53,363US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Columbus and Wadsworth is $5,893 (16.35%). 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 Columbus spans $32,882,Wadsworth spans $25,285. Columbus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbus
P10 (Entry)$32,988
P25$38,611
Median$41,935
P75$53,468
P90 (Top)$65,870
Wadsworth
P10 (Entry)$28,078
P25$31,694
Median$36,042
P75$44,965
P90 (Top)$53,363

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($43,925 effective) pays 10.54% more than Wadsworth ($39,738 effective).

Columbus
Nominal: $41,935
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $43,925
Wadsworth
Nominal: $36,042
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $39,738

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

Which City Is Right for You?

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

Choose Wadsworth if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Columbus grew -12.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Wadsworth over the same period.

Columbus, OH

+-12.4%

$46,810 (2021) → $40,984 (2025)

Wadsworth, OH

+-12.2%

$40,136 (2024) → $35,225 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Columbus or Wadsworth?

Columbus has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,935/year, compared to Wadsworth at $36,042/year — a difference of $5,893 (16.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Wadsworth?

Columbus medical coders earn $20.16/hr while Wadsworth hygienists earn $17.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbus to Wadsworth as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbus and Wadsworth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbus = $43,925, Wadsworth = $39,738), job availability (1,380 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,988 in Columbus and $28,078 in Wadsworth. 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