Medical Coder Pay

Hillsboro vs Portland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

Hillsboro, OR
$51,814
$24.91/hr
Portland, OR
$50,661
$24.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHillsboro, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$51,814$50,661
Hourly Rate$24.91$24.36
Entry Level (P10)$36,703$39,479
25th Percentile$43,248$41,362
75th Percentile$65,727$62,170
Top Earner (P90)$80,311$69,979
Total Employed221,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hillsboro ($51,814) and Portland ($50,661) medical coder salaries.HillsboroPortlandMedian Salary$51,814$50,661Entry Level (P10)$36,703$39,479Top Earner (P90)$80,311$69,979US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Hillsboro and Portland is $1,153 (2.28%). Hillsboro's median is +23.78% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $43,608,Portland spans $30,500. Hillsboro has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hillsboro
P10 (Entry)$36,703
P25$43,248
Median$51,814
P75$65,727
P90 (Top)$80,311
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, Hillsboro ($50,501 effective) pays 5.09% more than Portland ($48,056 effective).

Hillsboro
Nominal: $51,814
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $50,501
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 Hillsboro if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,814/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($80,311)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,501)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Hillsboro grew -14.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.9% growth in Portland over the same period.

Hillsboro, OR

+-14.7%

$59,351 (2024) → $50,639 (2025)

Portland, OR

+-5.9%

$52,630 (2021) → $49,512 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Hillsboro or Portland?

Hillsboro has a higher median medical coder salary at $51,814/year, compared to Portland at $50,661/year — a difference of $1,153 (2.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hillsboro and Portland?

Hillsboro medical coders earn $24.91/hr while Portland hygienists earn $24.36/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hillsboro and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hillsboro = $50,501, Portland = $48,056), job availability (22 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $36,703 in Hillsboro 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