Medical Coder Pay

Duluth vs Lakeville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Duluth, MN and Lakeville, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$42,418
$20.40/hr
Lakeville, MN
$32,410
$15.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNLakeville, MN
Median Salary$42,418$32,410
Hourly Rate$20.40$15.58
Entry Level (P10)$38,096$24,438
25th Percentile$39,766$28,086
75th Percentile$51,365$40,225
Top Earner (P90)$57,332$50,235
Total Employed18015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($42,418) and Lakeville ($32,410) medical coder salaries.DuluthLakevilleMedian Salary$42,418$32,410Entry Level (P10)$38,096$24,438Top Earner (P90)$57,332$50,235US Median $41,861

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeville.

The salary gap between Duluth and Lakeville is $10,008 (30.88%). Duluth's median is +1.33% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $19,236,Lakeville spans $25,797. Lakeville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$38,096
P25$39,766
Median$42,418
P75$51,365
P90 (Top)$57,332
Lakeville
P10 (Entry)$24,438
P25$28,086
Median$32,410
P75$40,225
P90 (Top)$50,235

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($47,785 effective) pays 45.23% more than Lakeville ($32,904 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $42,418
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $47,785
Lakeville
Nominal: $32,410
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $32,904

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,418/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($57,332)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,785)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Lakeville if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Duluth grew -13.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -39.4% growth in Lakeville over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+-13.8%

$48,070 (2021) → $41,456 (2025)

Lakeville, MN

+-39.4%

$52,260 (2024) → $31,675 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Duluth or Lakeville?

Duluth has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,418/year, compared to Lakeville at $32,410/year — a difference of $10,008 (30.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Lakeville?

Duluth medical coders earn $20.40/hr while Lakeville hygienists earn $15.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Lakeville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Lakeville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $47,785, Lakeville = $32,904), job availability (180 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Duluth vs Lakeville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $38,096 in Duluth and $24,438 in Lakeville. The Duluth 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