Medical Coder Pay

Gresham vs Portland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Gresham, OR
$47,750
$22.96/hr
Portland, OR
$50,661
$24.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricGresham, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$47,750$50,661
Hourly Rate$22.96$24.36
Entry Level (P10)$33,099$39,479
25th Percentile$39,306$41,362
75th Percentile$60,012$62,170
Top Earner (P90)$74,012$69,979
Total Employed211,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Gresham ($47,750) and Portland ($50,661) medical coder salaries.GreshamPortlandMedian Salary$47,750$50,661Entry Level (P10)$33,099$39,479Top Earner (P90)$74,012$69,979US Median $41,861

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gresham.

The salary gap between Gresham and Portland is $2,911 (6.10%). Portland's median is +21.02% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gresham spans $40,913,Portland spans $30,500. Gresham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Gresham
P10 (Entry)$33,099
P25$39,306
Median$47,750
P75$60,012
P90 (Top)$74,012
Portland
P10 (Entry)$39,479
P25$41,362
Median$50,661
P75$62,170
P90 (Top)$69,979

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($48,056 effective) pays 3.26% more than Gresham ($46,540 effective).

Gresham
Nominal: $47,750
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $46,540
Portland
Nominal: $50,661
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $48,056

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Gresham if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($74,012)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,661/year)
  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,056)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Gresham grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.9% growth in Portland over the same period.

Gresham, OR

+-20.6%

$58,790 (2024) → $46,667 (2025)

Portland, OR

+-5.9%

$52,630 (2021) → $49,512 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Gresham or Portland?

Portland has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,661/year, compared to Gresham at $47,750/year — a difference of $2,911 (6.10%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Gresham and Portland?

Gresham medical coders earn $22.96/hr while Portland hygienists earn $24.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Gresham to Portland as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Gresham and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Gresham = $46,540, Portland = $48,056), job availability (21 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Gresham vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $33,099 in Gresham and $39,479 in Portland. The Portland 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