Medical Coder Pay

Milwaukie vs Portland: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Milwaukie, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Milwaukie, OR
$42,888
$20.62/hr
Portland, OR
$50,661
$24.36/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMilwaukie, ORPortland, OR
Median Salary$42,888$50,661
Hourly Rate$20.62$24.36
Entry Level (P10)$33,329$39,479
25th Percentile$37,553$41,362
75th Percentile$53,370$62,170
Top Earner (P90)$64,596$69,979
Total Employed61,340
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Milwaukie ($42,888) and Portland ($50,661) medical coder salaries.MilwaukiePortlandMedian Salary$42,888$50,661Entry Level (P10)$33,329$39,479Top Earner (P90)$64,596$69,979US Median $41,861

Verdict

Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukie.

The salary gap between Milwaukie and Portland is $7,773 (18.12%). Portland's median is +21.02% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukie spans $31,267,Portland spans $30,500. Milwaukie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Milwaukie
P10 (Entry)$33,329
P25$37,553
Median$42,888
P75$53,370
P90 (Top)$64,596
Portland
P10 (Entry)$39,479
P25$41,362
Median$50,661
P75$62,170
P90 (Top)$69,979

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($48,056 effective) pays 14.96% more than Milwaukie ($41,801 effective).

Milwaukie
Nominal: $42,888
CoL Index: 102.6
Adjusted: $41,801
Portland
Nominal: $50,661
CoL Index: 105.421
Adjusted: $48,056

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Milwaukie if…

  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Choose Portland if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,661/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($69,979)
  • Larger job market (1,340 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,056)
  • You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Milwaukie grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.9% growth in Portland over the same period.

Milwaukie, OR

+-20.6%

$52,805 (2024) → $41,916 (2025)

Portland, OR

+-5.9%

$52,630 (2021) → $49,512 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Milwaukie or Portland?

Portland has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,661/year, compared to Milwaukie at $42,888/year — a difference of $7,773 (18.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukie and Portland?

Milwaukie medical coders earn $20.62/hr while Portland hygienists earn $24.36/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Milwaukie to Portland as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Milwaukie and Portland. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Milwaukie = $41,801, Portland = $48,056), job availability (6 vs 1,340 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Milwaukie vs Portland?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $33,329 in Milwaukie and $39,479 in Portland. The Portland 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