Salem vs The Dalles: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $33,833▲ | $31,357 |
| Hourly Rate | $16.27▲ | $15.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $21,377 | $24,807▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,884▲ | $27,776 |
| 75th Percentile | $38,284 | $39,333▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,150 | $47,732▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $2,476 (7.90%). Salem's median is +11.48% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $25,773,The Dalles spans $22,925. Salem has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($32,642 effective) pays 6.80% more than The Dalles ($30,562 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($33,833/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $32,642)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,732)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Salem grew -29.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -42.4% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$46,640 (2021) → $33,066 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$53,250 (2024) → $30,646 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty 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 Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov