Pendleton vs Salem: Medical Coder Salary (2026)
Compare medical coder salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,829 | $46,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.55 | $22.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,398▲ | $29,485 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,933 | $39,839▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,501▲ | $52,805 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,523▲ | $65,035 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $1,837 (4.10%). Salem's median is +11.48% compared to the US national median of $41,861.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $31,125,Salem spans $35,550. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($45,023 effective) pays 3.04% more than Pendleton ($43,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,523)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,666/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,023)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Pendleton grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$55,195 (2024) → $43,813 (2025)
Salem, OR
$46,640 (2021) → $45,608 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical coders more: Pendleton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Salem?
Should I relocate from Pendleton to Salem as a medical coder?
What do entry-level medical coders earn in Pendleton vs Salem?
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.
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