Medical Coder Pay

Kent vs Olympia: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Kent, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Kent, WA
$47,663
$22.92/hr
Olympia, WA
$42,221
$20.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKent, WAOlympia, WA
Median Salary$47,663$42,221
Hourly Rate$22.92$20.30
Entry Level (P10)$34,977$28,363
25th Percentile$40,666$37,040
75th Percentile$61,008$50,636
Top Earner (P90)$73,877$65,968
Total Employed33170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Kent ($47,663) and Olympia ($42,221) medical coder salaries.KentOlympiaMedian Salary$47,663$42,221Entry Level (P10)$34,977$28,363Top Earner (P90)$73,877$65,968US Median $41,861

Verdict

Kent, WA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.

The salary gap between Kent and Olympia is $5,442 (12.89%). Kent's median is +13.86% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kent spans $38,900,Olympia spans $37,605. Kent has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Kent
P10 (Entry)$34,977
P25$40,666
Median$47,663
P75$61,008
P90 (Top)$73,877
Olympia
P10 (Entry)$28,363
P25$37,040
Median$42,221
P75$50,636
P90 (Top)$65,968

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Kent ($44,379 effective) pays 8.97% more than Olympia ($40,726 effective).

Kent
Nominal: $47,663
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $44,379
Olympia
Nominal: $42,221
CoL Index: 103.67
Adjusted: $40,726

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Kent if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,663/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($73,877)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,379)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose Olympia if…

  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Kent grew -29.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -12.0% growth in Olympia over the same period.

Kent, WA

+-29.9%

$66,471 (2024) → $46,582 (2025)

Olympia, WA

+-12.0%

$46,910 (2021) → $41,264 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Kent or Olympia?

Kent has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,663/year, compared to Olympia at $42,221/year — a difference of $5,442 (12.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Kent and Olympia?

Kent medical coders earn $22.92/hr while Olympia hygienists earn $20.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Kent to Olympia as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Kent and Olympia. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Kent = $44,379, Olympia = $40,726), job availability (33 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Kent vs Olympia?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,977 in Kent and $28,363 in Olympia. The Kent 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