Medical Coder Pay

Lexington vs Murray: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Lexington, KY and Murray, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lexington, KY
$40,732
$19.58/hr
Murray, KY
$34,961
$16.81/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLexington, KYMurray, KY
Median Salary$40,732$34,961
Hourly Rate$19.58$16.81
Entry Level (P10)$30,958$28,234
25th Percentile$36,279$31,359
75th Percentile$48,778$43,452
Top Earner (P90)$58,674$52,697
Total Employed5404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lexington ($40,732) and Murray ($34,961) medical coder salaries.LexingtonMurrayMedian Salary$40,732$34,961Entry Level (P10)$30,958$28,234Top Earner (P90)$58,674$52,697US Median $41,861

Verdict

Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Murray.

The salary gap between Lexington and Murray is $5,771 (16.51%). Lexington's median is -2.70% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $27,716,Murray spans $24,463. Lexington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lexington
P10 (Entry)$30,958
P25$36,279
Median$40,732
P75$48,778
P90 (Top)$58,674
Murray
P10 (Entry)$28,234
P25$31,359
Median$34,961
P75$43,452
P90 (Top)$52,697

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($43,850 effective) pays 12.01% more than Murray ($39,150 effective).

Lexington
Nominal: $40,732
CoL Index: 92.889
Adjusted: $43,850
Murray
Nominal: $34,961
CoL Index: 89.3
Adjusted: $39,150

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lexington if…

  • Higher median salary ($40,732/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($58,674)
  • Larger job market (540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,850)
  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Choose Murray if…

  • You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Lexington grew -12.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.0% growth in Murray over the same period.

Lexington, KY

+-12.0%

$45,250 (2021) → $39,808 (2025)

Murray, KY

+-7.0%

$36,750 (2024) → $34,168 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Lexington or Murray?

Lexington has a higher median medical coder salary at $40,732/year, compared to Murray at $34,961/year — a difference of $5,771 (16.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Murray?

Lexington medical coders earn $19.58/hr while Murray hygienists earn $16.81/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lexington to Murray as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lexington and Murray. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lexington = $43,850, Murray = $39,150), job availability (540 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Lexington vs Murray?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,958 in Lexington and $28,234 in Murray. The Lexington 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