Medical Coder Pay

Grand Island vs Hastings: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Grand Island, NE and Hastings, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Grand Island, NE
$42,279
$20.32/hr
Hastings, NE
$29,896
$14.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Island, NEHastings, NE
Median Salary$42,279$29,896
Hourly Rate$20.32$14.38
Entry Level (P10)$31,113$21,465
25th Percentile$34,142$24,970
75th Percentile$55,335$37,005
Top Earner (P90)$65,051$45,286
Total Employed505
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Island ($42,279) and Hastings ($29,896) medical coder salaries.Grand IslandHastingsMedian Salary$42,279$29,896Entry Level (P10)$31,113$21,465Top Earner (P90)$65,051$45,286US Median $41,861

Verdict

Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.

The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $12,383 (41.42%). Grand Island's median is +1.00% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $33,938,Hastings spans $23,821. Grand Island has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Grand Island
P10 (Entry)$31,113
P25$34,142
Median$42,279
P75$55,335
P90 (Top)$65,051
Hastings
P10 (Entry)$21,465
P25$24,970
Median$29,896
P75$37,005
P90 (Top)$45,286

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($48,789 effective) pays 49.32% more than Hastings ($32,673 effective).

Grand Island
Nominal: $42,279
CoL Index: 86.657
Adjusted: $48,789
Hastings
Nominal: $29,896
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $32,673

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Grand Island if…

  • Higher median salary ($42,279/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,051)
  • Larger job market (50 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,789)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Hastings if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Grand Island grew 11.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -28.8% growth in Hastings over the same period.

Grand Island, NE

+11.6%

$37,020 (2021) → $41,320 (2025)

Hastings, NE

+-28.8%

$41,064 (2024) → $29,218 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Grand Island or Hastings?

Grand Island has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,279/year, compared to Hastings at $29,896/year — a difference of $12,383 (41.42%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Hastings?

Grand Island medical coders earn $20.32/hr while Hastings hygienists earn $14.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Grand Island to Hastings as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Island and Hastings. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Island = $48,789, Hastings = $32,673), job availability (50 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Grand Island vs Hastings?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,113 in Grand Island and $21,465 in Hastings. The Grand Island 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