Medical Coder Pay

Dallas vs Garland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$42,680
$20.53/hr
Garland, TX
$38,364
$18.45/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXGarland, TX
Median Salary$42,680$38,364
Hourly Rate$20.53$18.45
Entry Level (P10)$31,064$25,628
25th Percentile$37,416$30,938
75th Percentile$54,614$48,753
Top Earner (P90)$65,640$59,464
Total Employed5,21043
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($42,680) and Garland ($38,364) medical coder salaries.DallasGarlandMedian Salary$42,680$38,364Entry Level (P10)$31,064$25,628Top Earner (P90)$65,640$59,464US Median $41,861

Verdict

Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garland.

The salary gap between Dallas and Garland is $4,316 (11.25%). Dallas's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $34,576,Garland spans $33,836. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$31,064
P25$37,416
Median$42,680
P75$54,614
P90 (Top)$65,640
Garland
P10 (Entry)$25,628
P25$30,938
Median$38,364
P75$48,753
P90 (Top)$59,464

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($41,401 effective) pays 3.60% more than Garland ($39,963 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $42,680
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $41,401
Garland
Nominal: $38,364
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $39,963

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,680/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,640)
  • Larger job market (5,210 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,401)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Garland if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Dallas grew -10.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -24.8% growth in Garland over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+-10.6%

$46,660 (2021) → $41,712 (2025)

Garland, TX

+-24.8%

$49,881 (2024) → $37,494 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Dallas or Garland?

Dallas has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,680/year, compared to Garland at $38,364/year — a difference of $4,316 (11.25%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Garland?

Dallas medical coders earn $20.53/hr while Garland hygienists earn $18.45/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Garland as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Garland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $41,401, Garland = $39,963), job availability (5,210 vs 43 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Dallas vs Garland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,064 in Dallas and $25,628 in Garland. The Dallas 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