Medical Coder Pay

Elizabethtown vs Louisville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Elizabethtown, KY
$36,410
$17.51/hr
Louisville, KY
$40,753
$19.59/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricElizabethtown, KYLouisville, KY
Median Salary$36,410$40,753
Hourly Rate$17.51$19.59
Entry Level (P10)$30,254$27,219
25th Percentile$35,206$32,892
75th Percentile$49,777$52,164
Top Earner (P90)$58,347$63,167
Total Employed110132
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Elizabethtown ($36,410) and Louisville ($40,753) medical coder salaries.ElizabethtownLouisvilleMedian Salary$36,410$40,753Entry Level (P10)$30,254$27,219Top Earner (P90)$58,347$63,167US Median $41,861

Verdict

Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.

The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville is $4,343 (11.93%). Louisville's median is -2.65% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $28,093,Louisville spans $35,948. Louisville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Elizabethtown
P10 (Entry)$30,254
P25$35,206
Median$36,410
P75$49,777
P90 (Top)$58,347
Louisville
P10 (Entry)$27,219
P25$32,892
Median$40,753
P75$52,164
P90 (Top)$63,167

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Louisville ($45,636 effective) pays 13.52% more than Elizabethtown ($40,200 effective).

Elizabethtown
Nominal: $36,410
CoL Index: 90.572
Adjusted: $40,200
Louisville
Nominal: $40,753
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $45,636

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Elizabethtown if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Louisville if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,753/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($63,167)
  • Larger job market (132 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,636)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Elizabethtown grew -18.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.

Elizabethtown, KY

+-18.2%

$43,490 (2021) → $35,584 (2025)

Louisville, KY

+-7.0%

$42,838 (2024) → $39,829 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Elizabethtown or Louisville?

Louisville has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,753/year, compared to Elizabethtown at $36,410/year — a difference of $4,343 (11.93%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville?

Elizabethtown medical coders earn $17.51/hr while Louisville hygienists earn $19.59/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Elizabethtown and Louisville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Elizabethtown = $40,200, Louisville = $45,636), job availability (110 vs 132 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,254 in Elizabethtown and $27,219 in Louisville. The Elizabethtown 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