Medical Coder Pay

Gallatin vs Knoxville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Gallatin, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gallatin, TN
$37,626
$18.09/hr
Knoxville, TN
$39,013
$18.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGallatin, TNKnoxville, TN
Median Salary$37,626$39,013
Hourly Rate$18.09$18.76
Entry Level (P10)$26,632$30,892
25th Percentile$33,437$31,752
75th Percentile$47,712$45,536
Top Earner (P90)$58,320$60,639
Total Employed11760
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gallatin ($37,626) and Knoxville ($39,013) medical coder salaries.GallatinKnoxvilleMedian Salary$37,626$39,013Entry Level (P10)$26,632$30,892Top Earner (P90)$58,320$60,639US Median $41,861

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gallatin.

The salary gap between Gallatin and Knoxville is $1,387 (3.69%). Knoxville's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gallatin spans $31,688,Knoxville spans $29,747. Gallatin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gallatin
P10 (Entry)$26,632
P25$33,437
Median$37,626
P75$47,712
P90 (Top)$58,320
Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$30,892
P25$31,752
Median$39,013
P75$45,536
P90 (Top)$60,639

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($42,145 effective) pays 2.82% more than Gallatin ($40,987 effective).

Gallatin
Nominal: $37,626
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $40,987
Knoxville
Nominal: $39,013
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $42,145

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gallatin if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,013/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,639)
  • Larger job market (760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,145)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Gallatin grew -6.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.7% growth in Knoxville over the same period.

Gallatin, TN

+-6.1%

$39,166 (2024) → $36,773 (2025)

Knoxville, TN

+2.7%

$37,110 (2021) → $38,128 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Gallatin or Knoxville?

Knoxville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,013/year, compared to Gallatin at $37,626/year — a difference of $1,387 (3.69%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gallatin and Knoxville?

Gallatin medical coders earn $18.09/hr while Knoxville hygienists earn $18.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gallatin to Knoxville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gallatin and Knoxville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gallatin = $40,987, Knoxville = $42,145), job availability (11 vs 760 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Gallatin vs Knoxville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $26,632 in Gallatin and $30,892 in Knoxville. The Knoxville 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