Medical Coder Pay

Memphis vs Shelbyville: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Memphis, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$43,466
$20.89/hr
Shelbyville, TN
$37,139
$17.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNShelbyville, TN
Median Salary$43,466$37,139
Hourly Rate$20.89$17.85
Entry Level (P10)$31,564$28,300
25th Percentile$36,164$32,081
75th Percentile$54,221$45,790
Top Earner (P90)$78,197$55,383
Total Employed6604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($43,466) and Shelbyville ($37,139) medical coder salaries.MemphisShelbyvilleMedian Salary$43,466$37,139Entry Level (P10)$31,564$28,300Top Earner (P90)$78,197$55,383US Median $41,861

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.

The salary gap between Memphis and Shelbyville is $6,327 (17.04%). Memphis's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $46,633,Shelbyville spans $27,083. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$31,564
P25$36,164
Median$43,466
P75$54,221
P90 (Top)$78,197
Shelbyville
P10 (Entry)$28,300
P25$32,081
Median$37,139
P75$45,790
P90 (Top)$55,383

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($47,154 effective) pays 16.55% more than Shelbyville ($40,456 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $43,466
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $47,154
Shelbyville
Nominal: $37,139
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $40,456

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($43,466/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($78,197)
  • Larger job market (660 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,154)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Shelbyville if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Memphis grew -9.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.1% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+-9.6%

$47,000 (2021) → $42,480 (2025)

Shelbyville, TN

+-6.1%

$38,660 (2024) → $36,297 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Memphis or Shelbyville?

Memphis has a higher median medical coder salary at $43,466/year, compared to Shelbyville at $37,139/year — a difference of $6,327 (17.04%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Shelbyville?

Memphis medical coders earn $20.89/hr while Shelbyville hygienists earn $17.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Shelbyville as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Shelbyville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $47,154, Shelbyville = $40,456), job availability (660 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Memphis vs Shelbyville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $31,564 in Memphis and $28,300 in Shelbyville. The Memphis 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