Medical Coder Pay

Nashua vs Salem: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Nashua, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Nashua, NH
$41,853
$20.13/hr
Salem, NH
$35,066
$16.86/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNashua, NHSalem, NH
Median Salary$41,853$35,066
Hourly Rate$20.13$16.86
Entry Level (P10)$29,234$25,153
25th Percentile$34,493$29,305
75th Percentile$52,730$43,441
Top Earner (P90)$64,872$53,047
Total Employed218
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Nashua ($41,853) and Salem ($35,066) medical coder salaries.NashuaSalemMedian Salary$41,853$35,066Entry Level (P10)$29,234$25,153Top Earner (P90)$64,872$53,047US Median $41,861

Verdict

Nashua, NH offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.

The salary gap between Nashua and Salem is $6,787 (19.35%). Nashua's median is -0.02% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashua spans $35,638,Salem spans $27,894. Nashua has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Nashua
P10 (Entry)$29,234
P25$34,493
Median$41,853
P75$52,730
P90 (Top)$64,872
Salem
P10 (Entry)$25,153
P25$29,305
Median$35,066
P75$43,441
P90 (Top)$53,047

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Nashua ($39,006 effective) pays 19.35% more than Salem ($32,680 effective).

Nashua
Nominal: $41,853
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $39,006
Salem
Nominal: $35,066
CoL Index: 107.3
Adjusted: $32,680

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Nashua if…

  • Higher median salary ($41,853/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($64,872)
  • Larger job market (21 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $39,006)
  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Choose Salem if…

  • You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Nashua grew -29.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -39.4% growth in Salem over the same period.

Nashua, NH

+-29.2%

$57,769 (2024) → $40,904 (2025)

Salem, NH

+-39.4%

$56,543 (2024) → $34,271 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Nashua or Salem?

Nashua has a higher median medical coder salary at $41,853/year, compared to Salem at $35,066/year — a difference of $6,787 (19.35%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Nashua and Salem?

Nashua medical coders earn $20.13/hr while Salem hygienists earn $16.86/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Nashua to Salem as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Nashua and Salem. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Nashua = $39,006, Salem = $32,680), job availability (21 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Nashua vs Salem?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $29,234 in Nashua and $25,153 in Salem. The Nashua 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