Fort Worth vs Houston: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Fort Worth, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Worth, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,401▲ | $41,951 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.38▲ | $20.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,558 | $31,228▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,910 | $37,122▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,274▲ | $53,738 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,722 | $65,902▲ |
| Total Employed | 219 | 3,680▲ |
Verdict
Fort Worth and Houston are closely matched on overall medical coder compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Worth and Houston is $450 (1.07%). Fort Worth's median is +1.29% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Worth spans $35,164,Houston spans $34,674. Fort Worth has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Worth ($44,168 effective) pays 3.84% more than Houston ($42,534 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Worth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,401/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,168)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,902)
- ✓Larger job market (3,680 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Fort Worth grew -19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Houston over the same period.
Fort Worth, TX
$51,502 (2024) → $41,440 (2025)
Houston, TX
$44,010 (2021) → $41,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Worth, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Fort Worth or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Worth and Houston?
Should I relocate from Fort Worth to Houston as a medical coder?
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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