Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $16.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Pelham, AL runs $16.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $33,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $20,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach $16.05 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $20.13 per hour. This discrepancy indicates that professionals in this field earn less on average compared to their counterparts across the United States. For those considering part-time roles, typically working three days a week, the hours paid would amount to approximately 24 hours weekly. Such arrangements provide flexibility but may limit earnings potential compared to full-time positions. Medical coders in Pelham can expect to see entry-level hourly rates starting at $12.66, while the most experienced professionals can command rates up to $23.82. These figures emphasize the importance of understanding local market conditions, especially in this clinical profession where compensation can vary considerably based on experience and setting.
About the Pelham 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) | $12.66 | $101.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.17 | $113.37 |
| Median (P50) | $16.05 | $128.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.77 | $158.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.82 | $190.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $16.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $16.05/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $33,392 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $19,265. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $642.16 | $2,783 | $33,392 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $385.30 | $1,670 | $20,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $256.86 | $1,113 | $13,357 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Pelham) | $16.05 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $33,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.24% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $36,094.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $16.05/hr = $20,035/year (purchasing power: $22,793).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $33,392/year (purchasing power: $37,989).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$16.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Pelham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.48/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Pelham grew 9.6% from $14.32/hr (2021) to $15.69/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.43/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
Examining the financial implications of hourly work as a medical coder reveals intriguing dynamics, particularly for those opting for part-time or per-diem positions in Pelham. A medical coder working part-time at 24 hours per week could potentially take home about $16,569 annually, compared to a full-time annually projected earnings that are significantly higher. For per-diem medical coders, compensation often comes with a premium; rates could be 10-25% more than standard staff pay, providing an attractive option for many. Different employer types also contribute to variations in hourly rates. For instance, private practices may offer less than higher education or large healthcare organizations, where hourly wages may be more competitive. Moreover, medical coders might choose lower pay for the health benefits that come with full-time positions or trading off benefits for higher hourly compensation. Coders in Pelham should leverage local networking opportunities and inquire about potential salary negotiations to enhance their compensation packages.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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