Medical Coder Pay

Lewiston vs Scarborough: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Lewiston, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lewiston, ME
$39,037
$18.77/hr
Scarborough, ME
$31,825
$15.30/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLewiston, MEScarborough, ME
Median Salary$39,037$31,825
Hourly Rate$18.77$15.30
Entry Level (P10)$37,367$24,077
25th Percentile$37,367$28,616
75th Percentile$49,367$38,444
Top Earner (P90)$61,670$46,175
Total Employed905
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lewiston ($39,037) and Scarborough ($31,825) medical coder salaries.LewistonScarboroughMedian Salary$39,037$31,825Entry Level (P10)$37,367$24,077Top Earner (P90)$61,670$46,175US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lewiston, ME offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scarborough.

The salary gap between Lewiston and Scarborough is $7,212 (22.66%). Lewiston's median is -6.75% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lewiston spans $24,303,Scarborough spans $22,098. Lewiston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lewiston
P10 (Entry)$37,367
P25$37,367
Median$39,037
P75$49,367
P90 (Top)$61,670
Scarborough
P10 (Entry)$24,077
P25$28,616
Median$31,825
P75$38,444
P90 (Top)$46,175

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lewiston ($41,206 effective) pays 28.96% more than Scarborough ($31,953 effective).

Lewiston
Nominal: $39,037
CoL Index: 94.736
Adjusted: $41,206
Scarborough
Nominal: $31,825
CoL Index: 99.6
Adjusted: $31,953

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lewiston if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($61,670)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,206)
  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Choose Scarborough if…

  • You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Lewiston grew -18.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -34.5% growth in Scarborough over the same period.

Lewiston, ME

+-18.2%

$46,640 (2021) → $38,152 (2025)

Scarborough, ME

+-34.5%

$47,514 (2024) → $31,103 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Lewiston or Scarborough?

Lewiston has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,037/year, compared to Scarborough at $31,825/year — a difference of $7,212 (22.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lewiston and Scarborough?

Lewiston medical coders earn $18.77/hr while Scarborough hygienists earn $15.30/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lewiston to Scarborough as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lewiston and Scarborough. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lewiston = $41,206, Scarborough = $31,953), job availability (90 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Lewiston vs Scarborough?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $37,367 in Lewiston and $24,077 in Scarborough. The Lewiston 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