Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $16.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Alabaster, AL runs $16.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $34,982 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,993 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, the projected medical coder hourly pay for 2026 stands at $16.82, which is below the national median of $20.13. This rate indicates a compensation structure that may appeal to those considering part-time work arrangements, such as a typical three-day workweek. For example, part-time medical coders, averaging about 24 hours per week, can expect to earn a modest income which may benefit those balancing other commitments. The hourly range for medical coders in Alabaster stretches from $13.20 at the 10th percentile to $26.07 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for entry-level coders to earn $13.20 while seasoned professionals might achieve significantly higher rates. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimations to facilitate a clearer perspective for professionals assessing their compensation preferences.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.20 | $105.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.93 | $119.43 |
| Median (P50) | $16.82 | $134.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.68 | $165.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.07 | $208.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $16.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.82/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $34,989 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,186. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $672.86 | $2,916 | $34,989 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $403.71 | $1,749 | $20,993 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $269.14 | $1,166 | $13,995 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Alabaster) | $16.82 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Coders in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $34,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.43% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $36,101.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.82/hr = $20,993/year (purchasing power: $23,883).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $34,989/year (purchasing power: $39,805).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.82/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Alabaster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Alabaster grew 9.6% from $15.00/hr (2021) to $16.44/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.21/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.32% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in Alabaster
Focusing on the earning potential, a medical coder working part-time at 24 hours a week would bring home around $26,795 annually, far less than the earnings of full-time coders. Per diem medical coder pay in Alabaster can offer an alternative path—typically, these rates might exceed standard W-2 pay by 10-25%, thereby attracting professionals looking to maximize their compensation per hour worked. The type of employer significantly impacts these rates; positions in large healthcare organizations tend to offer more stability and benefits, while private practices may provide more flexibility but lower hourly wages. Medic coders often face a trade-off when choosing between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. As professionals consider their options, effective negotiation can help secure better hourly rates, particularly in diverse environments like Alabaster where demand for trained specialists varies.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Alabaster in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Alabaster?
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How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Alabaster?
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Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical coders in Alabaster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov