Decatur vs Huntsville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Decatur, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,295▲ | $31,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $17.46▲ | $15.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,729 | $27,012▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $29,640 | $30,221▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,607 | $43,646▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,778 | $52,134▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Decatur and Huntsville are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Decatur and Huntsville is $5,067 (16.23%). Decatur's median is -13.30% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $24,049,Huntsville spans $25,122. Huntsville 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, Decatur ($41,617 effective) pays 24.04% more than Huntsville ($33,553 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($36,295/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,617)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($52,134)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Decatur grew -0.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -18.5% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$35,770 (2021) → $35,472 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$37,440 (2021) → $30,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Decatur or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Huntsville as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Decatur vs Huntsville?
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