Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Birmingham, AL: $18.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Birmingham, AL runs $18.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Birmingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.6, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,832 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Birmingham, Alabama, the projected medical coder hourly pay in 2026 is $18.29, which positions it below the national hourly median of $20.13. This rate reflects the competitive landscape within the medical coding industry, which often operates in diverse settings such as clinics, hospitals, and private offices. For those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities, such as working three days a week, the hourly rate can yield significant earnings, especially when combined with flexible scheduling. Entry-level coders typically earn around $13.12 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $26.37 per hour. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare coding field.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.12 | $104.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.80 | $118.36 |
| Median (P50) | $18.29 | $146.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.18 | $177.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.37 | $210.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Birmingham
Based on $18.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.29/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Birmingham, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,053 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,954. With a cost-of-living index of 91.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Birmingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Birmingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $731.79 | $3,171 | $38,053 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $439.08 | $1,903 | $22,832 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $292.72 | $1,268 | $15,221 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Birmingham) | $18.29 |
| 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 Birmingham, AL earn a median of $38,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.09% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 5.40% above the Alabama state average of $36,105.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.29/hr = $22,832/year (purchasing power: $24,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,053/year (purchasing power: $41,523).
CoL index: 91.644 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.29/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+3.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Birmingham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Birmingham grew -0.9% from $18.04/hr (2021) to $17.88/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.72/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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham
Part-time medical coders working in Birmingham for three days a week, totaling 24 hours, would bring home approximately $22,339 annually, a fraction of what a full-time professional could earn. However, per diem medical coder pay in Birmingham generally sees a premium, often 10-25% above the standard staff salary. This premium can be attractive to coders who prefer flexibility without long-term commitments. Additionally, hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer type; private practices may offer lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which might provide better compensation but come with more stringent job requirements. Many medical coders have to navigate the trade-offs between higher hourly rates that lack benefits versus stable positions with health insurance and retirement plans. For those negotiating their pay, it's advisable to research local market trends while emphasizing unique skills or certifications to secure the best possible medical coder hourly rate in AL.
More salary data for Birmingham, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Birmingham in 2026?
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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 Birmingham. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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