Orthodontist vs Medical Coder: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Orthodontist
Correct misaligned teeth and jaws using braces and other dental devices.
Medical Coder
Translate medical diagnoses and procedures into standardised codes for billing.
Orthodontist earns more on average — the national median is $232,562/year (411%) higher than a Medical Coder. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Orthodontist vs Medical Coder — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Orthodontist | Medical Coder | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $414,875 | $83,101 | Orthodontist +$331,774 |
| New York, NY | $344,433 | $69,765 | Orthodontist +$274,668 |
| Seattle, WA | $410,008 | $79,430 | Orthodontist +$330,578 |
| Austin, TX | $329,388 | $64,839 | Orthodontist +$264,549 |
| Chicago, IL | $302,548 | $59,692 | Orthodontist +$242,856 |
| Boston, MA | $369,314 | $75,244 | Orthodontist +$294,070 |
| London, UK | £224,845 | £44,852 | Orthodontist +$179,993 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$377,816 | CA$75,011 | Orthodontist +$302,805 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Orthodontist or Medical Coder earn more?+
A Orthodontist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Orthodontist is $289,140/year, compared to $56,578/year for a Medical Coder — a difference of $232,562 (411%).
Which has better career growth — Orthodontist or Medical Coder?+
Orthodontist roles are growing at 6% YoY while Medical Coder demand is growing at 9% YoY. Medical Coder has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Orthodontist to Medical Coder?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Orthodontist or Medical Coder?+
Orthodontist has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 72%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.