Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Escondido, CA: $24.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Escondido, CA runs $24.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,977 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Escondido's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,983 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical coders in Escondido, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $24.02, which is significantly higher than the national median of $20.13. For those working part-time—around three days per week—this rate translates into a comfortable income while allowing for flexibility in work-life balance, suitable for employment in various clinical settings. The hourly rate for medical coders in this city varies considerably, ranging from $17.05 for entry-level positions (P10) to $37.24 for experienced coders at the highest end of the pay scale (P90). These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and give a clear picture of what one might earn on an hourly basis in Escondido.
About the Escondido 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) | $17.05 | $136.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.05 | $160.44 |
| Median (P50) | $24.02 | $192.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.49 | $243.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.24 | $297.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Escondido
Based on $24.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.02/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Escondido, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,971 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,830. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Escondido.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Escondido
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $960.99 | $4,164 | $49,971 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $576.59 | $2,499 | $29,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $384.40 | $1,666 | $19,989 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Escondido) | $24.02 |
| 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 Escondido, CA earn a median of $49,977 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.39% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 3.30% above the California state average of $48,381.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.02/hr = $29,983/year (purchasing power: $26,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,971/year (purchasing power: $44,183).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$21.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.02/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Escondido (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Escondido grew 9.6% from $21.42/hr (2021) to $23.48/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.58/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 Escondido 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 Escondido
Analyzing the earnings for medical coders reveals interesting dynamics, especially for part-time workers. A coder working 24 hours per week at the median hourly rate could bring home approximately $28,000 annually, while full-time coders have the potential to earn significantly more. Many coders may opt for per diem positions, which often come with a pay premium of 10-25% compared to standard staff rates, a decision that can be financially advantageous despite the lack of benefits. The hourly pay can also differ based on the employer type; those in private practices might earn less compared to coders in large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. For some, the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower pay with health coverage is a personal choice. Effective negotiation practices are key in Escondido’s job market—approaching discussions with a clear understanding of local pay standards can significantly influence compensation.
More salary data for Escondido, 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 Escondido. 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 Escondido 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