Gardner vs Wichita: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Gardner, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $14,838 | $27,934▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $7.13 | $13.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $11,770 | $22,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $13,154 | $23,738▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $18,611 | $30,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $22,639 | $37,227▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Wichita, KS offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gardner.
The salary gap between Gardner and Wichita is $13,096 (88.26%). Wichita's median is -7.96% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $10,869,Wichita spans $15,049. Wichita has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wichita ($31,406 effective) pays 92.40% more than Gardner ($16,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($27,934/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($37,227)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $31,406)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Gardner grew -62.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -37.8% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$38,775 (2024) → $14,502 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$43,890 (2021) → $27,301 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Gardner or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Wichita as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Gardner vs Wichita?
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