Medical Coder Pay

Jackson vs Tupelo: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Jackson, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jackson, MS
$33,626
$16.17/hr
Tupelo, MS
$28,422
$13.66/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJackson, MSTupelo, MS
Median Salary$33,626$28,422
Hourly Rate$16.17$13.66
Entry Level (P10)$25,776$20,260
25th Percentile$28,731$25,363
75th Percentile$42,933$35,076
Top Earner (P90)$50,407$42,881
Total Employed5907
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jackson ($33,626) and Tupelo ($28,422) medical coder salaries.JacksonTupeloMedian Salary$33,626$28,422Entry Level (P10)$25,776$20,260Top Earner (P90)$50,407$42,881US Median $41,861

Verdict

Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tupelo.

The salary gap between Jackson and Tupelo is $5,204 (18.31%). Jackson's median is -19.67% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $24,631,Tupelo spans $22,621. Jackson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jackson
P10 (Entry)$25,776
P25$28,731
Median$33,626
P75$42,933
P90 (Top)$50,407
Tupelo
P10 (Entry)$20,260
P25$25,363
Median$28,422
P75$35,076
P90 (Top)$42,881

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jackson ($37,762 effective) pays 13.86% more than Tupelo ($33,165 effective).

Jackson
Nominal: $33,626
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $37,762
Tupelo
Nominal: $28,422
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $33,165

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($33,626/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($50,407)
  • Larger job market (590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $37,762)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Tupelo if…

  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Jackson grew -11.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -13.9% growth in Tupelo over the same period.

Jackson, MS

+-11.5%

$37,150 (2021) → $32,864 (2025)

Tupelo, MS

+-13.9%

$32,250 (2024) → $27,778 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Jackson or Tupelo?

Jackson has a higher median medical coder salary at $33,626/year, compared to Tupelo at $28,422/year — a difference of $5,204 (18.31%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Tupelo?

Jackson medical coders earn $16.17/hr while Tupelo hygienists earn $13.66/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jackson to Tupelo as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jackson and Tupelo. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jackson = $37,762, Tupelo = $33,165), job availability (590 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Jackson vs Tupelo?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $25,776 in Jackson and $20,260 in Tupelo. The Jackson 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