Medical Coder Pay

Roanoke vs Staunton: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

Compare medical coder salaries between Roanoke, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Roanoke, VA
$38,448
$18.48/hr
Staunton, VA
$39,512
$19.00/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRoanoke, VAStaunton, VA
Median Salary$38,448$39,512
Hourly Rate$18.48$19.00
Entry Level (P10)$25,907$27,946
25th Percentile$30,557$31,711
75th Percentile$47,043$45,299
Top Earner (P90)$55,842$59,632
Total Employed18040
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Roanoke ($38,448) and Staunton ($39,512) medical coder salaries.RoanokeStauntonMedian Salary$38,448$39,512Entry Level (P10)$25,907$27,946Top Earner (P90)$55,842$59,632US Median $41,861

Verdict

Staunton, VA offers better overall compensation for medical coders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.

The salary gap between Roanoke and Staunton is $1,064 (2.77%). Staunton's median is -5.61% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $29,935,Staunton spans $31,686. Staunton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical coders.

Roanoke
P10 (Entry)$25,907
P25$30,557
Median$38,448
P75$47,043
P90 (Top)$55,842
Staunton
P10 (Entry)$27,946
P25$31,711
Median$39,512
P75$45,299
P90 (Top)$59,632

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Staunton ($43,359 effective) pays 5.58% more than Roanoke ($41,069 effective).

Roanoke
Nominal: $38,448
CoL Index: 93.618
Adjusted: $41,069
Staunton
Nominal: $39,512
CoL Index: 91.128
Adjusted: $43,359

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Roanoke if…

  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Choose Staunton if…

  • Higher median salary ($39,512/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($59,632)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,359)
  • You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in Roanoke grew -18.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -17.3% growth in Staunton over the same period.

Roanoke, VA

+-18.3%

$46,000 (2021) → $37,576 (2025)

Staunton, VA

+-17.3%

$46,690 (2021) → $38,616 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: Roanoke or Staunton?

Staunton has a higher median medical coder salary at $39,512/year, compared to Roanoke at $38,448/year — a difference of $1,064 (2.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Staunton?

Roanoke medical coders earn $18.48/hr while Staunton hygienists earn $19.00/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Roanoke to Staunton as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Roanoke and Staunton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Roanoke = $41,069, Staunton = $43,359), job availability (180 vs 40 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in Roanoke vs Staunton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $25,907 in Roanoke and $27,946 in Staunton. The Staunton 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