Medical Coder Pay

Metairie vs Shreveport: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Metairie, LA and Shreveport, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Metairie, LA
$38,555
$18.54/hr
Shreveport, LA
$39,602
$19.04/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMetairie, LAShreveport, LA
Median Salary$38,555$39,602
Hourly Rate$18.54$19.04
Entry Level (P10)$26,155$27,258
25th Percentile$33,596$30,614
75th Percentile$48,867$51,561
Top Earner (P90)$59,761$58,879
Total Employed23310
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Metairie ($38,555) and Shreveport ($39,602) medical coder salaries.MetairieShreveportMedian Salary$38,555$39,602Entry Level (P10)$26,155$27,258Top Earner (P90)$59,761$58,879US Median $41,861

Verdict

Shreveport, LA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Metairie.

The salary gap between Metairie and Shreveport is $1,047 (2.72%). Shreveport's median is -5.40% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Metairie spans $33,606,Shreveport spans $31,621. Metairie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Metairie
P10 (Entry)$26,155
P25$33,596
Median$38,555
P75$48,867
P90 (Top)$59,761
Shreveport
P10 (Entry)$27,258
P25$30,614
Median$39,602
P75$51,561
P90 (Top)$58,879

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Shreveport ($46,719 effective) pays 9.42% more than Metairie ($42,697 effective).

Metairie
Nominal: $38,555
CoL Index: 90.3
Adjusted: $42,697
Shreveport
Nominal: $39,602
CoL Index: 84.766
Adjusted: $46,719

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Metairie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($59,761)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Choose Shreveport if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,602/year)
  • Larger job market (310 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,719)
  • You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Metairie grew -2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.6% growth in Shreveport over the same period.

Metairie, LA

+-2.0%

$38,445 (2024) → $37,681 (2025)

Shreveport, LA

+-16.6%

$46,420 (2021) → $38,704 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Metairie or Shreveport?

Shreveport has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,602/year, compared to Metairie at $38,555/year — a difference of $1,047 (2.72%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Metairie and Shreveport?

Metairie medical coders earn $18.54/hr while Shreveport hygienists earn $19.04/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Metairie to Shreveport as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Metairie and Shreveport. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Metairie = $42,697, Shreveport = $46,719), job availability (23 vs 310 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Metairie vs Shreveport?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $26,155 in Metairie and $27,258 in Shreveport. The Shreveport 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