Medical Coder Pay

Mequon vs Milwaukee: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Mequon, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Mequon, WI
$45,161
$21.71/hr
Milwaukee, WI
$53,804
$25.87/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMequon, WIMilwaukee, WI
Median Salary$45,161$53,804
Hourly Rate$21.71$25.87
Entry Level (P10)$36,214$38,652
25th Percentile$40,463$42,549
75th Percentile$54,420$61,392
Top Earner (P90)$65,308$65,493
Total Employed5750
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Mequon ($45,161) and Milwaukee ($53,804) medical coder salaries.MequonMilwaukeeMedian Salary$45,161$53,804Entry Level (P10)$36,214$38,652Top Earner (P90)$65,308$65,493US Median $41,861

Verdict

Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mequon.

The salary gap between Mequon and Milwaukee is $8,643 (19.14%). Milwaukee's median is +28.53% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mequon spans $29,094,Milwaukee spans $26,841. Mequon has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Mequon
P10 (Entry)$36,214
P25$40,463
Median$45,161
P75$54,420
P90 (Top)$65,308
Milwaukee
P10 (Entry)$38,652
P25$42,549
Median$53,804
P75$61,392
P90 (Top)$65,493

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($55,504 effective) pays 14.79% more than Mequon ($48,352 effective).

Mequon
Nominal: $45,161
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $48,352
Milwaukee
Nominal: $53,804
CoL Index: 96.937
Adjusted: $55,504

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Mequon if…

  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Milwaukee if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,804/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($65,493)
  • Larger job market (750 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,504)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Mequon grew 5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.

Mequon, WI

+5.3%

$41,898 (2024) → $44,137 (2025)

Milwaukee, WI

+8.8%

$48,350 (2021) → $52,584 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Mequon or Milwaukee?

Milwaukee has a higher median medical coder salary at $53,804/year, compared to Mequon at $45,161/year — a difference of $8,643 (19.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Mequon and Milwaukee?

Mequon medical coders earn $21.71/hr while Milwaukee hygienists earn $25.87/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Mequon to Milwaukee as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Mequon and Milwaukee. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Mequon = $48,352, Milwaukee = $55,504), job availability (5 vs 750 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Mequon vs Milwaukee?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $36,214 in Mequon and $38,652 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee 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