Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Decatur, AL: $17.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Decatur, AL runs $17.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.2, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,785 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Decatur, Alabama, the projected median hourly pay for medical coders stands at $17.46 in 2026, which reveals a notable disparity compared to the national median hourly rate of $20.13. This compensation can significantly impact part-time workers, including those who work three days a week, as it allows for an average weekly income of roughly $525 for a 24-hour work schedule. For entry-level medical coders, hourly wages start around $11.89, while experienced professionals can earn up to $23.45 per hour. The data is derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects the range of pay that individuals in this field can expect within the Decatur area, where the cost of living is below the national average, potentially influencing wage expectations.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $11.89 | $95.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.25 | $114.03 |
| Median (P50) | $17.46 | $139.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20.00 | $160.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.45 | $187.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $17.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.46/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, AL can expect to earn approximately $36,308 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,947. With a cost-of-living index of 87.21 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $698.23 | $3,026 | $36,308 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $418.94 | $1,815 | $21,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $279.29 | $1,210 | $14,523 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Decatur) | $17.46 |
| 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 Decatur, AL earn a median of $36,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.30% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.50% above the Alabama state average of $36,114.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.46/hr = $21,785/year (purchasing power: $24,979).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,308/year (purchasing power: $41,632).
CoL index: 87.212 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.46/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+3.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Decatur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Decatur grew -0.8% from $17.20/hr (2021) to $17.06/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.86/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time medical coders in Decatur reveals that those working 24 hours per week can take home approximately $27,472 annually, a significant contrast to the full-time medical coder's earnings, which can approach over $36,000. Furthermore, per diem medical coder pay in Decatur often commands a premium, typically 10-25% higher than standard W-2 wages, making it an appealing option for many professionals. Rates can fluctuate based on the employer type, as private practices may offer different compensation packages compared to large healthcare organizations or community health centers. Additionally, some medical coders may choose roles with lower hourly pay to secure health benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating, it’s vital for hourly workers to emphasize their skills and the value they bring, especially in a market like Decatur, where compensation varies by employer and specific credentials.
More salary data for Decatur, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Decatur. 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