Medical Coder Pay

Hagerstown vs Towson: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Towson, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hagerstown, MD
$42,459
$20.41/hr
Towson, MD
$48,426
$23.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHagerstown, MDTowson, MD
Median Salary$42,459$48,426
Hourly Rate$20.41$23.28
Entry Level (P10)$30,025$36,850
25th Percentile$33,004$42,179
75th Percentile$53,550$61,985
Top Earner (P90)$67,351$75,060
Total Employed12011
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hagerstown ($42,459) and Towson ($48,426) medical coder salaries.HagerstownTowsonMedian Salary$42,459$48,426Entry Level (P10)$30,025$36,850Top Earner (P90)$67,351$75,060US Median $41,861

Verdict

Towson, MD offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.

The salary gap between Hagerstown and Towson is $5,967 (14.05%). Towson's median is +15.68% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $37,326,Towson spans $38,210. Towson has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Hagerstown
P10 (Entry)$30,025
P25$33,004
Median$42,459
P75$53,550
P90 (Top)$67,351
Towson
P10 (Entry)$36,850
P25$42,179
Median$48,426
P75$61,985
P90 (Top)$75,060

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($45,087 effective) pays 1.76% more than Towson ($44,306 effective).

Hagerstown
Nominal: $42,459
CoL Index: 94.171
Adjusted: $45,087
Towson
Nominal: $48,426
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $44,306

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hagerstown if…

  • Larger job market (120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,087)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Towson if…

  • Higher median salary ($48,426/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($75,060)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Hagerstown grew -11.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -24.3% growth in Towson over the same period.

Hagerstown, MD

+-11.1%

$46,660 (2021) → $41,496 (2025)

Towson, MD

+-24.3%

$62,517 (2024) → $47,328 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Hagerstown or Towson?

Towson has a higher median medical coder salary at $48,426/year, compared to Hagerstown at $42,459/year — a difference of $5,967 (14.05%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Towson?

Hagerstown medical coders earn $20.41/hr while Towson hygienists earn $23.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Towson as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hagerstown and Towson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hagerstown = $45,087, Towson = $44,306), job availability (120 vs 11 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Hagerstown vs Towson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,025 in Hagerstown and $36,850 in Towson. The Towson 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