Medical Coder Salary in 2026
Medical coders translate healthcare diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes. They ensure accurate coding and regulatory compliance.
Median Salary
$51,140
$4,262/mo
Entry Level
$36,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$62,500
experienced
Job Growth
+7%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Medical Records Specialists (SOC 29-2072, the closest published occupation to Medical Coder) at a national median of $51,140 per year (mean $56,790), or $24.59 per hour, with 194,720 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Medical Coder Overview
Medical coders translate healthcare diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes. They ensure accurate coding and regulatory compliance.
Education
Certificate / Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
195K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$24.59/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,262
Medical Coder Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Medical Coder salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Medical Coder Salary
$53,000
$4,417/month · $2,038/biweekly · $25.48/hr
Medical Coder Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Medical Coder field.
Entry-level Medical Coders earn around $36,000, while the top 10% earn $70,550 or more.
Top Paying States for Medical Coders
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $60,000 | +$8,860 |
| New York | $59,000 | +$7,860 |
| Texas | $50,000 | $-1,140 |
| Florida | $50,000 | $-1,140 |
| Tennessee | $48,000 | $-3,140 |
Top Paying Cities for Medical Coders
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $60,000 | +$8,860 |
| Los Angeles | $57,000 | +$5,860 |
| Miami | $52,000 | +$860 |
| Houston | $51,000 | $-140 |
| Nashville | $50,000 | $-1,140 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Medical Coder Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Medical Coder.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Medical Coder Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Medical Coder from entry level to expert.
$36,000
0-2 years
$49,000
3-7 years
$62,500
8-14 years
$78,600
15+ years
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Medical Coder Salary FAQ
How much does a Medical Coder make in 2026?
The median salary for a Medical Coder in the United States is $51,140 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Medical Records Specialists (SOC 29-2072); the mean is $56,790. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $36,000, senior professionals around $62,500, and top earners at $78,600 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Medical Coder?
A Medical Coder typically requires a Certificate / Associate's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include ICD-10, CPT Codes, Medical Terminology. Relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Medical Coders?
The job market for Medical Coders is projected to grow by 7% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 195K Medical Coder positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Medical Coders the most?
The highest-paying states for Medical Coders include California, Texas, Florida. In California, the median salary is approximately $60,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Medical Coder salary?
To increase your Medical Coder salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like ICD-10 and CPT Codes. Pursue certifications such as CPC. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $36,000 to $62,500 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Medical Coder Salary
How we calculate Medical Coder salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Medical Records Specialists (SOC 29-2072), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $51,140, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Medical Records Specialists; BLS mean $56,790; BLS hourly median $24.59.
- Entry-level ($36,000) and senior-level ($62,500) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +7% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 194,720 Medical Records Specialists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Certificate / Associate's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $51,140; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Medical Coder compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Coder job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Medical Coder salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (ICD-10, CPT Codes, Medical Terminology), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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