Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Bakersfield, CA: $21.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Bakersfield, CA runs $21.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,242 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Bakersfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,148 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bakersfield, California, the projected medical coder hourly pay is $21.75, which surpasses the national median of $20.13. This translates to a stable income option for part-time workers—those putting in about 24 hours a week, for instance, can expect to earn approximately $1,044 monthly. Entry-level coders might earn around $16.32 an hour, while experienced professionals can secure up to $29.69. The hourly rates reflect the area's demand for coding specialists within clinical settings, highlighting a rewarding opportunity for individuals entering the field. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, indicating that Bakersfield's medical coders enjoy a competitive edge in their hourly compensation compared to many regions throughout the United States.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.32 | $130.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.45 | $147.59 |
| Median (P50) | $21.75 | $174.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.78 | $198.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.69 | $237.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bakersfield
Based on $21.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.75/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bakersfield, CA can expect to earn approximately $45,247 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,104. With a cost-of-living index of 100.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bakersfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bakersfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $870.13 | $3,771 | $45,247 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $522.08 | $2,262 | $27,148 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.05 | $1,508 | $18,099 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Bakersfield) | $21.75 |
| 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 Bakersfield, CA earn a median of $45,242 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.08% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 6.50% below the California state average of $48,387.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.75/hr = $27,148/year (purchasing power: $26,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,247/year (purchasing power: $44,849).
CoL index: 100.886 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.75/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-1.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Bakersfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Bakersfield grew -5.9% from $22.60/hr (2021) to $21.26/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.26/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 Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield
The earning potential for part-time medical coders in Bakersfield presents an intriguing picture, especially when comparing a 3-day workweek to full-time roles. Those working 24 hours a week will take home around $12,528 annually, which can be appealing for those seeking flexibility. Per diem medical coder pay in Bakersfield often carries a premium of 10-25% above traditional staff wages, making it a viable option for skilled coders looking for extra hours or project-based work. Hourly rates can fluctuate considerably depending on the employer type; large healthcare organizations tend to offer more stability and often additional benefits, while private practices and specialty clinics might present opportunities for higher pay without the same level of fringe benefits. Coders contemplating their financial and professional paths should consider negotiating salaries, seeking clarity on benefits, and understanding their worth in the evolving landscape of healthcare compensation in Bakersfield, CA.
More salary data for Bakersfield, CA:
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 Bakersfield. 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