Medical Coder Pay

Fort Wayne vs Hammond: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Hammond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fort Wayne, IN
$40,961
$19.70/hr
Hammond, IN
$38,497
$18.51/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFort Wayne, INHammond, IN
Median Salary$40,961$38,497
Hourly Rate$19.70$18.51
Entry Level (P10)$32,390$28,417
25th Percentile$34,208$32,903
75th Percentile$50,513$49,276
Top Earner (P90)$62,882$59,670
Total Employed57020
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fort Wayne ($40,961) and Hammond ($38,497) medical coder salaries.Fort WayneHammondMedian Salary$40,961$38,497Entry Level (P10)$32,390$28,417Top Earner (P90)$62,882$59,670US Median $41,861

Verdict

Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hammond.

The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Hammond is $2,464 (6.40%). Fort Wayne's median is -2.15% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $30,492,Hammond spans $31,253. Hammond has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Fort Wayne
P10 (Entry)$32,390
P25$34,208
Median$40,961
P75$50,513
P90 (Top)$62,882
Hammond
P10 (Entry)$28,417
P25$32,903
Median$38,497
P75$49,276
P90 (Top)$59,670

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($44,248 effective) pays 4.94% more than Hammond ($42,165 effective).

Fort Wayne
Nominal: $40,961
CoL Index: 92.572
Adjusted: $44,248
Hammond
Nominal: $38,497
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $42,165

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Fort Wayne if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,961/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($62,882)
  • Larger job market (570 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,248)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Hammond if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Fort Wayne grew -13.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.9% growth in Hammond over the same period.

Fort Wayne, IN

+-13.1%

$46,080 (2021) → $40,032 (2025)

Hammond, IN

+-7.9%

$40,851 (2024) → $37,624 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Fort Wayne or Hammond?

Fort Wayne has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,961/year, compared to Hammond at $38,497/year — a difference of $2,464 (6.40%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Hammond?

Fort Wayne medical coders earn $19.70/hr while Hammond hygienists earn $18.51/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Hammond as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fort Wayne and Hammond. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fort Wayne = $44,248, Hammond = $42,165), job availability (570 vs 20 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Fort Wayne vs Hammond?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $32,390 in Fort Wayne and $28,417 in Hammond. The Fort Wayne 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