Medical Coder Pay

Dallas vs Mesquite: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Dallas, TX
$42,680
$20.53/hr
Mesquite, TX
$36,694
$17.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXMesquite, TX
Median Salary$42,680$36,694
Hourly Rate$20.53$17.64
Entry Level (P10)$31,064$26,684
25th Percentile$37,416$31,123
75th Percentile$54,614$46,968
Top Earner (P90)$65,640$56,876
Total Employed5,21021
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($42,680) and Mesquite ($36,694) medical coder salaries.DallasMesquiteMedian Salary$42,680$36,694Entry Level (P10)$31,064$26,684Top Earner (P90)$65,640$56,876US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Dallas and Mesquite is $5,986 (16.31%). 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,Mesquite spans $30,192. 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
Mesquite
P10 (Entry)$26,684
P25$31,123
Median$36,694
P75$46,968
P90 (Top)$56,876

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Dallas ($41,401 effective) pays 8.31% more than Mesquite ($38,223 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $42,680
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $41,401
Mesquite
Nominal: $36,694
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $38,223

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 Mesquite 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 Mesquite over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+-10.6%

$46,660 (2021) → $41,712 (2025)

Mesquite, TX

+-24.8%

$47,710 (2024) → $35,862 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Dallas or Mesquite?

Dallas has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,680/year, compared to Mesquite at $36,694/year — a difference of $5,986 (16.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Mesquite?

Dallas medical coders earn $20.53/hr while Mesquite hygienists earn $17.64/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Mesquite. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $41,401, Mesquite = $38,223), job availability (5,210 vs 21 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,064 in Dallas and $26,684 in Mesquite. 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