Medical Coder Pay

Needham vs Springfield: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Needham, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Needham, MA
$46,961
$22.58/hr
Springfield, MA
$47,526
$22.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricNeedham, MASpringfield, MA
Median Salary$46,961$47,526
Hourly Rate$22.58$22.85
Entry Level (P10)$34,219$33,651
25th Percentile$39,631$39,184
75th Percentile$58,541$52,994
Top Earner (P90)$71,637$65,174
Total Employed6290
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Needham ($46,961) and Springfield ($47,526) medical coder salaries.NeedhamSpringfieldMedian Salary$46,961$47,526Entry Level (P10)$34,219$33,651Top Earner (P90)$71,637$65,174US Median $41,861

Verdict

Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Needham.

The salary gap between Needham and Springfield is $565 (1.20%). Springfield's median is +13.53% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Needham spans $37,418,Springfield spans $31,523. Needham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Needham
P10 (Entry)$34,219
P25$39,631
Median$46,961
P75$58,541
P90 (Top)$71,637
Springfield
P10 (Entry)$33,651
P25$39,184
Median$47,526
P75$52,994
P90 (Top)$65,174

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($49,475 effective) pays 14.31% more than Needham ($43,282 effective).

Needham
Nominal: $46,961
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $43,282
Springfield
Nominal: $47,526
CoL Index: 96.061
Adjusted: $49,475

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Needham if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($71,637)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Springfield if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,526/year)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,475)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Needham grew -28.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Springfield over the same period.

Needham, MA

+-28.2%

$63,963 (2024) → $45,896 (2025)

Springfield, MA

+-2.6%

$47,670 (2021) → $46,448 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Needham or Springfield?

Springfield has a higher median medical coder salary at $47,526/year, compared to Needham at $46,961/year — a difference of $565 (1.20%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Needham and Springfield?

Needham medical coders earn $22.58/hr while Springfield hygienists earn $22.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Needham to Springfield as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Needham and Springfield. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Needham = $43,282, Springfield = $49,475), job availability (6 vs 290 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Needham vs Springfield?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,219 in Needham and $33,651 in Springfield. The Needham 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