Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $23.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Berkeley, CA runs $23.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,566 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,140 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical coders in Berkeley, California, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $23.35, significantly higher than the national median of $20.13. This rate provides a favorable outlook for those interested in part-time work, such as a 3-day work week, which could yield around $1,120 per week based on full-time hours. For those considering per diem opportunities, the flexibility of this position can be especially appealing, as these roles commonly pay at a premium, offering competitive rates. Entry-level coders may start at approximately $17.24 per hour, while top earners can command up to $36.19 per hour, reflecting the skills and experience that come with years in the field. These hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, presenting a clear picture of potential earnings within this profession.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.24 | $137.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.08 | $160.60 |
| Median (P50) | $23.35 | $186.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.29 | $234.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.19 | $289.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $23.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.35/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,019. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.98 | $4,047 | $48,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.39 | $2,428 | $29,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.59 | $1,619 | $19,427 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Berkeley) | $23.35 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $48,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.02% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 0.40% above the California state average of $48,373.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.35/hr = $29,140/year (purchasing power: $25,765).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,567/year (purchasing power: $42,941).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.35/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Berkeley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Berkeley grew 9.6% from $20.82/hr (2021) to $22.82/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.89/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
When comparing the income for part-time medical coders to full-time counterparts in Berkeley, significant differences emerge. A medical coder working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, can expect to take home approximately $58,240 annually, as opposed to a full-time medical coder who would make around $48,566. For those in per diem roles, pay can range from 10-25% above standard rates, making it an attractive option for coders willing to accept less stability in exchange for potentially higher earnings. Pay also varies depending on the type of employer; large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics may offer better benefits but could have lower hourly rates compared to private practices. Coders often face a trade-off, weighing the security of health insurance benefits against the allure of higher hourly rates without them. When negotiating pay, it is advisable for coders to research local market rates and utilize their skills or certifications as leverage, especially in a competitive place like Berkeley.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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