Medical Coder Pay

Eugene vs Pendleton: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Eugene, OR and Pendleton, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Eugene, OR
$43,998
$21.15/hr
Pendleton, OR
$44,829
$21.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEugene, ORPendleton, OR
Median Salary$43,998$44,829
Hourly Rate$21.15$21.55
Entry Level (P10)$34,609$34,398
25th Percentile$37,858$38,933
75th Percentile$56,939$55,501
Top Earner (P90)$65,919$65,523
Total Employed2705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Eugene ($43,998) and Pendleton ($44,829) medical coder salaries.EugenePendletonMedian Salary$43,998$44,829Entry Level (P10)$34,609$34,398Top Earner (P90)$65,919$65,523US Median $41,861

Verdict

Eugene and Pendleton are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Eugene and Pendleton is $831 (1.89%). Pendleton's median is +7.09% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $31,310,Pendleton spans $31,125. Eugene has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Eugene
P10 (Entry)$34,609
P25$37,858
Median$43,998
P75$56,939
P90 (Top)$65,919
Pendleton
P10 (Entry)$34,398
P25$38,933
Median$44,829
P75$55,501
P90 (Top)$65,523

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pendleton ($43,693 effective) pays 0.86% more than Eugene ($43,319 effective).

Eugene
Nominal: $43,998
CoL Index: 101.568
Adjusted: $43,319
Pendleton
Nominal: $44,829
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $43,693

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Eugene if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($65,919)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Pendleton if…

  • Higher median salary ($44,829/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,693)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Eugene grew -5.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -20.6% growth in Pendleton over the same period.

Eugene, OR

+-5.9%

$45,700 (2021) → $43,000 (2025)

Pendleton, OR

+-20.6%

$55,195 (2024) → $43,813 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Eugene or Pendleton?

Pendleton has a higher median medical coder salary at $44,829/year, compared to Eugene at $43,998/year — a difference of $831 (1.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Pendleton?

Eugene medical coders earn $21.15/hr while Pendleton hygienists earn $21.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Eugene to Pendleton as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Eugene and Pendleton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Eugene = $43,319, Pendleton = $43,693), job availability (270 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Eugene vs Pendleton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,609 in Eugene and $34,398 in Pendleton. The Eugene area offers higher starting salaries.
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