Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Costa Mesa, CA: $23.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Costa Mesa, CA runs $23.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,616 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Costa Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,166 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical coders in Costa Mesa, California, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $23.37 in 2026, which is considerably higher than the national median of $20.13. This disparity reflects not only the local demand for medical coding professionals but also the overall cost of living in the region. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial income, particularly in clinical settings where such roles are common. Coders can expect to earn between $16.72 at entry-level positions to up to $36.23 for those at the top of their field. The hourly rates provided here are derived from projected annual salary data, indicating strong earning potential for medical coders in this vibrant area of CA.
About the Costa Mesa 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) | $16.72 | $133.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.61 | $156.92 |
| Median (P50) | $23.37 | $186.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.92 | $239.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.23 | $289.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Costa Mesa
Based on $23.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.37/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Costa Mesa, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,609 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,044. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Costa Mesa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Costa Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $934.80 | $4,051 | $48,609 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.88 | $2,430 | $29,166 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.92 | $1,620 | $19,444 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Costa Mesa) | $23.37 |
| 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 Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $48,616 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 0.50% above the California state average of $48,374.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.37/hr = $29,166/year (purchasing power: $25,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,609/year (purchasing power: $42,979).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.37/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Costa Mesa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Costa Mesa grew 9.6% from $20.84/hr (2021) to $22.84/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.91/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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa
In analyzing the earning potential for medical coders in Costa Mesa, those opting for part-time work of 24 hours a week may see annual earnings significantly below full-time counterparts but still manageable at around $30,000. For coders working on a per-diem basis, the pay often includes a premium—typically 10-25% more than standard hourly rates for staff positions. Various employer types, such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, impact hourly pay rates significantly. The trade-off between accepting a lower hourly wage with benefits versus securing a higher rate without benefits can be essential in this profession. Coders should approach negotiations mindfully, understanding both their worth in the market and the specific demands of potential employers in Costa Mesa.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Costa Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Costa Mesa?
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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 Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa 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