Medical Coder Pay

Pittsburg vs San Francisco: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Pittsburg, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pittsburg, CA
$48,650
$23.39/hr
San Francisco, CA
$60,901
$29.28/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPittsburg, CASan Francisco, CA
Median Salary$48,650$60,901
Hourly Rate$23.39$29.28
Entry Level (P10)$34,448$40,535
25th Percentile$40,594$47,370
75th Percentile$61,717$71,035
Top Earner (P90)$75,408$87,971
Total Employed191,880
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pittsburg ($48,650) and San Francisco ($60,901) medical coder salaries.PittsburgSan FranciscoMedian Salary$48,650$60,901Entry Level (P10)$34,448$40,535Top Earner (P90)$75,408$87,971US Median $41,861

Verdict

San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburg.

The salary gap between Pittsburg and San Francisco is $12,251 (25.18%). San Francisco's median is +45.48% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburg spans $40,960,San Francisco spans $47,436. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Pittsburg
P10 (Entry)$34,448
P25$40,594
Median$48,650
P75$61,717
P90 (Top)$75,408
San Francisco
P10 (Entry)$40,535
P25$47,370
Median$60,901
P75$71,035
P90 (Top)$87,971

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($52,677 effective) pays 22.46% more than Pittsburg ($43,015 effective).

Pittsburg
Nominal: $48,650
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $43,015
San Francisco
Nominal: $60,901
CoL Index: 115.613
Adjusted: $52,677

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pittsburg if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose San Francisco if…

  • Higher median salary ($60,901/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($87,971)
  • Larger job market (1,880 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,677)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Pittsburg grew -36.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.2% growth in San Francisco over the same period.

Pittsburg, CA

+-36.7%

$75,055 (2024) → $47,547 (2025)

San Francisco, CA

+-3.2%

$61,470 (2021) → $59,520 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Pittsburg or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a higher median medical coder salary at $60,901/year, compared to Pittsburg at $48,650/year — a difference of $12,251 (25.18%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburg and San Francisco?

Pittsburg medical coders earn $23.39/hr while San Francisco hygienists earn $29.28/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pittsburg to San Francisco as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pittsburg and San Francisco. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pittsburg = $43,015, San Francisco = $52,677), job availability (19 vs 1,880 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Pittsburg vs San Francisco?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $34,448 in Pittsburg and $40,535 in San Francisco. The San Francisco 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