Medical Coder Pay

Lawrence vs Worcester: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Lawrence, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lawrence, MA
$46,612
$22.41/hr
Worcester, MA
$41,787
$20.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLawrence, MAWorcester, MA
Median Salary$46,612$41,787
Hourly Rate$22.41$20.09
Entry Level (P10)$34,646$30,680
25th Percentile$39,982$36,827
75th Percentile$59,663$51,774
Top Earner (P90)$72,248$61,859
Total Employed16330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lawrence ($46,612) and Worcester ($41,787) medical coder salaries.LawrenceWorcesterMedian Salary$46,612$41,787Entry Level (P10)$34,646$30,680Top Earner (P90)$72,248$61,859US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lawrence, MA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Worcester.

The salary gap between Lawrence and Worcester is $4,825 (11.55%). Lawrence's median is +11.35% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lawrence spans $37,602,Worcester spans $31,179. Lawrence has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lawrence
P10 (Entry)$34,646
P25$39,982
Median$46,612
P75$59,663
P90 (Top)$72,248
Worcester
P10 (Entry)$30,680
P25$36,827
Median$41,787
P75$51,774
P90 (Top)$61,859

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lawrence ($42,960 effective) pays 5.40% more than Worcester ($40,759 effective).

Lawrence
Nominal: $46,612
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $42,960
Worcester
Nominal: $41,787
CoL Index: 102.523
Adjusted: $40,759

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lawrence if…

  • Higher median salary ($46,612/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($72,248)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,960)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Worcester if…

  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Lawrence grew -28.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -27.9% growth in Worcester over the same period.

Lawrence, MA

+-28.2%

$63,487 (2024) → $45,555 (2025)

Worcester, MA

+-27.9%

$56,610 (2021) → $40,840 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Lawrence or Worcester?

Lawrence has a higher median medical coder salary at $46,612/year, compared to Worcester at $41,787/year — a difference of $4,825 (11.55%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lawrence and Worcester?

Lawrence medical coders earn $22.41/hr while Worcester hygienists earn $20.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lawrence to Worcester as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lawrence and Worcester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lawrence = $42,960, Worcester = $40,759), job availability (16 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Lawrence vs Worcester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,646 in Lawrence and $30,680 in Worcester. The Lawrence 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