Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Mission Viejo, CA: $23.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Mission Viejo, CA runs $23.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Mission Viejo's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,306 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mission Viejo, California, aspiring medical coders can expect a median hourly pay of $23.48, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $20.13. This competitive rate can be particularly appealing to part-time coders working three days a week, allowing them to earn a respectable income while maintaining flexibility. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start at around $16.86, while experienced coders may earn as much as $36.40 per hour. Such compensation reflects not just the nuances of the local economy but also the specialized skill set required in clinical settings, where medical coders typically operate. The estimated hourly figures derive from annual data and underscore the potential for achieving a solid income in this field within the region by 2026.
About the Mission Viejo 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) | $16.86 | $134.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.70 | $157.57 |
| Median (P50) | $23.48 | $187.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.38 | $235.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.40 | $291.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mission Viejo
Based on $23.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.48/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mission Viejo, CA can expect to earn approximately $48,843 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,179. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Mission Viejo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mission Viejo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $939.30 | $4,070 | $48,843 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.58 | $2,442 | $29,306 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.72 | $1,628 | $19,537 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Mission Viejo) | $23.48 |
| 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 Mission Viejo, CA earn a median of $48,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.66% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 0.90% above the California state average of $48,399.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.48/hr = $29,306/year (purchasing power: $25,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,843/year (purchasing power: $43,186).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.48/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Mission Viejo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Mission Viejo grew 9.6% from $20.94/hr (2021) to $22.95/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.03/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 Mission Viejo 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 Mission Viejo
Looking closely at the financial realities for medical coders in Mission Viejo reveals some intriguing insights into their earning potential. A part-time coder working 24 hours a week might take home about $28,839 annually, which is notably lower than what full-time coders can earn. However, the per diem medical coder pay in Mission Viejo often presents a different scenario. Workers on a per diem or agency basis can expect a compensation premium of 10-25% above the standard hourly wage, making it an attractive option for those who prefer flexibility. Factors such as employer type heavily influence hourly rates; for instance, large healthcare organizations may have different pay scales compared to private practices or community health centers. Coders must balance the immediate benefits of higher hourly rates against factors like health insurance that some employers offer, making negotiation skills essential for securing the best possible remuneration in this evolving market.
More salary data for Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo. 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 Mission Viejo 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