Medical Coder Pay

Madison vs Sun Prairie: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Madison, WI and Sun Prairie, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$50,636
$24.34/hr
Sun Prairie, WI
$46,955
$22.57/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WISun Prairie, WI
Median Salary$50,636$46,955
Hourly Rate$24.34$22.57
Entry Level (P10)$39,684$33,396
25th Percentile$41,296$41,846
75th Percentile$63,438$59,727
Top Earner (P90)$65,256$72,780
Total Employed4909
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($50,636) and Sun Prairie ($46,955) medical coder salaries.MadisonSun PrairieMedian Salary$50,636$46,955Entry Level (P10)$39,684$33,396Top Earner (P90)$65,256$72,780US Median $41,861

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sun Prairie.

The salary gap between Madison and Sun Prairie is $3,681 (7.84%). Madison's median is +20.96% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,572,Sun Prairie spans $39,384. Sun Prairie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$39,684
P25$41,296
Median$50,636
P75$63,438
P90 (Top)$65,256
Sun Prairie
P10 (Entry)$33,396
P25$41,846
Median$46,955
P75$59,727
P90 (Top)$72,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($52,048 effective) pays 3.53% more than Sun Prairie ($50,273 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $50,636
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $52,048
Sun Prairie
Nominal: $46,955
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $50,273

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,636/year)
  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,048)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Sun Prairie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($72,780)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Madison grew 2.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in Sun Prairie over the same period.

Madison, WI

+2.9%

$48,070 (2021) → $49,488 (2025)

Sun Prairie, WI

+5.3%

$43,562 (2024) → $45,890 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Madison or Sun Prairie?

Madison has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,636/year, compared to Sun Prairie at $46,955/year — a difference of $3,681 (7.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Sun Prairie?

Madison medical coders earn $24.34/hr while Sun Prairie hygienists earn $22.57/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Sun Prairie as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Sun Prairie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $52,048, Sun Prairie = $50,273), job availability (490 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Madison vs Sun Prairie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $39,684 in Madison and $33,396 in Sun Prairie. The Madison 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