Medical Coder Pay

Grand Island vs North Platte: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Grand Island, NE
$42,279
$20.32/hr
North Platte, NE
$28,494
$13.70/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGrand Island, NENorth Platte, NE
Median Salary$42,279$28,494
Hourly Rate$20.32$13.70
Entry Level (P10)$31,113$22,609
25th Percentile$34,142$25,356
75th Percentile$55,335$35,225
Top Earner (P90)$65,051$42,642
Total Employed504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Grand Island ($42,279) and North Platte ($28,494) medical coder salaries.Grand IslandNorth PlatteMedian Salary$42,279$28,494Entry Level (P10)$31,113$22,609Top Earner (P90)$65,051$42,642US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Grand Island and North Platte is $13,785 (48.38%). 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,North Platte spans $20,033. 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
North Platte
P10 (Entry)$22,609
P25$25,356
Median$28,494
P75$35,225
P90 (Top)$42,642

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Grand Island ($48,789 effective) pays 56.67% more than North Platte ($31,141 effective).

Grand Island
Nominal: $42,279
CoL Index: 86.657
Adjusted: $48,789
North Platte
Nominal: $28,494
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $31,141

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 North Platte 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 North Platte over the same period.

Grand Island, NE

+11.6%

$37,020 (2021) → $41,320 (2025)

North Platte, NE

+-28.8%

$39,139 (2024) → $27,848 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Grand Island or North Platte?

Grand Island has a higher median medical coder salary at $42,279/year, compared to North Platte at $28,494/year — a difference of $13,785 (48.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and North Platte?

Grand Island medical coders earn $20.32/hr while North Platte hygienists earn $13.70/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Grand Island and North Platte. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Grand Island = $48,789, North Platte = $31,141), job availability (50 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,113 in Grand Island and $22,609 in North Platte. 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