Medical Coder Salary
by City (2026)
Convert medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes for billing and records. National median: $55K/year. See how your city compares.
Medical Coder salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $55K Medical Coder salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βMedical Coder Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Medical Coder is $55,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $70,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Medical Coders nationally earn $88,000+.
Education and requirements
Associate's; CPC or CCS certification. This role is 65% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Medical Coder compensation is growing at 2.8% annually, near the national average wage growth rate.
Medical Coder salary FAQ
How much does a Medical Coder make?
The median Medical Coder salary in the US is $55,000 per year β about $26/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $70,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Medical Coder?
Entry-level Medical Coder positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Medical Coders earn?
The top 10% of Medical Coders earn $88,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Medical Coders the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Medical Coder salary at $77K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Medical Coder salaries going up?
Yes β Medical Coder pay is growing about 2.8% year over year, near the US average wage-growth rate.