Medical Coder Pay

San Diego vs Yucaipa: Medical Coder Salary (2026)

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

San Diego, CA
$50,325
$24.20/hr
Yucaipa, CA
$48,033
$23.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSan Diego, CAYucaipa, CA
Median Salary$50,325$48,033
Hourly Rate$24.20$23.09
Entry Level (P10)$36,098$33,218
25th Percentile$40,224$42,219
75th Percentile$62,080$61,482
Top Earner (P90)$81,799$74,451
Total Employed1,60014
Side-by-side bar chart comparing San Diego ($50,325) and Yucaipa ($48,033) medical coder salaries.San DiegoYucaipaMedian Salary$50,325$48,033Entry Level (P10)$36,098$33,218Top Earner (P90)$81,799$74,451US Median $41,861

Verdict

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

The salary gap between San Diego and Yucaipa is $2,292 (4.77%). San Diego's median is +20.22% compared to the US national median of $41,861.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $45,701,Yucaipa spans $41,233. San Diego has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

San Diego
P10 (Entry)$36,098
P25$40,224
Median$50,325
P75$62,080
P90 (Top)$81,799
Yucaipa
P10 (Entry)$33,218
P25$42,219
Median$48,033
P75$61,482
P90 (Top)$74,451

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, San Diego ($44,978 effective) pays 5.91% more than Yucaipa ($42,469 effective).

San Diego
Nominal: $50,325
CoL Index: 111.887
Adjusted: $44,978
Yucaipa
Nominal: $48,033
CoL Index: 113.1
Adjusted: $42,469

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose San Diego if…

  • Higher median salary ($50,325/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($81,799)
  • Larger job market (1,600 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,978)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Yucaipa if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical coder salaries in San Diego grew 2.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -36.7% growth in Yucaipa over the same period.

San Diego, CA

+2.1%

$48,190 (2021) → $49,184 (2025)

Yucaipa, CA

+-36.7%

$74,104 (2024) → $46,944 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays medical coders more: San Diego or Yucaipa?

San Diego has a higher median medical coder salary at $50,325/year, compared to Yucaipa at $48,033/year — a difference of $2,292 (4.77%).

What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Yucaipa?

San Diego medical coders earn $24.20/hr while Yucaipa hygienists earn $23.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from San Diego to Yucaipa as a medical coder?

Consider more than just salary when comparing San Diego and Yucaipa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: San Diego = $44,978, Yucaipa = $42,469), job availability (1,600 vs 14 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level medical coders earn in San Diego vs Yucaipa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) medical coders earn $36,098 in San Diego and $33,218 in Yucaipa. The San Diego 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