Medical Coder Pay

Manhattan vs Topeka: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Manhattan, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Manhattan, KS
$38,513
$18.52/hr
Topeka, KS
$51,135
$24.58/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricManhattan, KSTopeka, KS
Median Salary$38,513$51,135
Hourly Rate$18.52$24.58
Entry Level (P10)$30,516$34,576
25th Percentile$34,101$39,864
75th Percentile$46,789$64,756
Top Earner (P90)$63,602$85,564
Total Employed70310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Manhattan ($38,513) and Topeka ($51,135) medical coder salaries.ManhattanTopekaMedian Salary$38,513$51,135Entry Level (P10)$30,516$34,576Top Earner (P90)$63,602$85,564US Median $41,861

Verdict

Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Manhattan.

The salary gap between Manhattan and Topeka is $12,622 (32.77%). Topeka's median is +22.15% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manhattan spans $33,086,Topeka spans $50,988. Topeka has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Manhattan
P10 (Entry)$30,516
P25$34,101
Median$38,513
P75$46,789
P90 (Top)$63,602
Topeka
P10 (Entry)$34,576
P25$39,864
Median$51,135
P75$64,756
P90 (Top)$85,564

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Topeka ($57,571 effective) pays 34.78% more than Manhattan ($42,715 effective).

Manhattan
Nominal: $38,513
CoL Index: 90.162
Adjusted: $42,715
Topeka
Nominal: $51,135
CoL Index: 88.82
Adjusted: $57,571

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Manhattan if…

  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Choose Topeka if…

  • Higher median salary ($51,135/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($85,564)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,571)
  • You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Manhattan grew 0.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Topeka over the same period.

Manhattan, KS

+0.3%

$37,530 (2021) → $37,640 (2025)

Topeka, KS

+7.1%

$46,660 (2021) → $49,976 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Manhattan or Topeka?

Topeka has a higher median medical coder salary at $51,135/year, compared to Manhattan at $38,513/year — a difference of $12,622 (32.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Manhattan and Topeka?

Manhattan medical coders earn $18.52/hr while Topeka hygienists earn $24.58/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Manhattan to Topeka as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Manhattan and Topeka. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Manhattan = $42,715, Topeka = $57,571), job availability (70 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Manhattan vs Topeka?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $30,516 in Manhattan and $34,576 in Topeka. The Topeka 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