Medical Coder Pay

Knoxville vs La Vergne: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Knoxville, TN and La Vergne, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Knoxville, TN
$39,013
$18.76/hr
La Vergne, TN
$37,060
$17.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricKnoxville, TNLa Vergne, TN
Median Salary$39,013$37,060
Hourly Rate$18.76$17.81
Entry Level (P10)$30,892$28,369
25th Percentile$31,752$32,254
75th Percentile$45,536$46,336
Top Earner (P90)$60,639$56,897
Total Employed7608
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Knoxville ($39,013) and La Vergne ($37,060) medical coder salaries.KnoxvilleLa VergneMedian Salary$39,013$37,060Entry Level (P10)$30,892$28,369Top Earner (P90)$60,639$56,897US Median $41,861

Verdict

Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Vergne.

The salary gap between Knoxville and La Vergne is $1,953 (5.27%). Knoxville's median is -6.80% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $29,747,La Vergne spans $28,528. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Knoxville
P10 (Entry)$30,892
P25$31,752
Median$39,013
P75$45,536
P90 (Top)$60,639
La Vergne
P10 (Entry)$28,369
P25$32,254
Median$37,060
P75$46,336
P90 (Top)$56,897

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Knoxville ($42,145 effective) pays 4.40% more than La Vergne ($40,370 effective).

Knoxville
Nominal: $39,013
CoL Index: 92.569
Adjusted: $42,145
La Vergne
Nominal: $37,060
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $40,370

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Knoxville if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,013/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($60,639)
  • Larger job market (760 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,145)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose La Vergne if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Knoxville grew 2.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.1% growth in La Vergne over the same period.

Knoxville, TN

+2.7%

$37,110 (2021) → $38,128 (2025)

La Vergne, TN

+-6.1%

$38,577 (2024) → $36,220 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Knoxville or La Vergne?

Knoxville has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,013/year, compared to La Vergne at $37,060/year — a difference of $1,953 (5.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and La Vergne?

Knoxville medical coders earn $18.76/hr while La Vergne hygienists earn $17.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Knoxville to La Vergne as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Knoxville and La Vergne. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Knoxville = $42,145, La Vergne = $40,370), job availability (760 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Knoxville vs La Vergne?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,892 in Knoxville and $28,369 in La Vergne. The Knoxville 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