Medical Coder Pay

Houston vs Mission: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Houston, TX and Mission, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Houston, TX
$41,951
$20.17/hr
Mission, TX
$32,332
$15.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHouston, TXMission, TX
Median Salary$41,951$32,332
Hourly Rate$20.17$15.54
Entry Level (P10)$31,228$22,678
25th Percentile$37,122$26,718
75th Percentile$53,738$40,098
Top Earner (P90)$65,902$50,114
Total Employed3,68022
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Houston ($41,951) and Mission ($32,332) medical coder salaries.HoustonMissionMedian Salary$41,951$32,332Entry Level (P10)$31,228$22,678Top Earner (P90)$65,902$50,114US Median $41,861

Verdict

Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mission.

The salary gap between Houston and Mission is $9,619 (29.75%). Houston's median is +0.21% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $34,674,Mission spans $27,436. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Houston
P10 (Entry)$31,228
P25$37,122
Median$41,951
P75$53,738
P90 (Top)$65,902
Mission
P10 (Entry)$22,678
P25$26,718
Median$32,332
P75$40,098
P90 (Top)$50,114

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Houston ($42,534 effective) pays 26.29% more than Mission ($33,679 effective).

Houston
Nominal: $41,951
CoL Index: 98.629
Adjusted: $42,534
Mission
Nominal: $32,332
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $33,679

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Houston if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,951/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,902)
  • Larger job market (3,680 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,534)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Mission if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Houston grew -6.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.1% growth in Mission over the same period.

Houston, TX

+-6.8%

$44,010 (2021) → $41,000 (2025)

Mission, TX

+-34.1%

$47,944 (2024) → $31,599 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Houston or Mission?

Houston has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,951/year, compared to Mission at $32,332/year — a difference of $9,619 (29.75%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Mission?

Houston medical coders earn $20.17/hr while Mission hygienists earn $15.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Houston to Mission as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Houston and Mission. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Houston = $42,534, Mission = $33,679), job availability (3,680 vs 22 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Houston vs Mission?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,228 in Houston and $22,678 in Mission. The Houston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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