Medical Coder Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $24.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in San Diego, CA runs $24.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,325 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,200 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Diego, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $24.20, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $20.13. This rate allows for various part-time opportunities, particularly for those working three days a week or who operate as per-diem medical coders in clinical settings. The hourly range for medical coders in San Diego spans from $17.35 at the entry-level to $39.32 for top earners, highlighting the potential for salary progression based on experience, credentialing, and specialty areas. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.35 | $138.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.34 | $154.71 |
| Median (P50) | $24.20 | $193.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.85 | $238.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.32 | $314.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $24.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.20/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $50,333 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,038. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $967.95 | $4,194 | $50,333 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $580.77 | $2,517 | $30,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $387.18 | $1,678 | $20,133 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (San Diego) | $24.20 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $50,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.22% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 4.00% above the California state average of $48,389.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.20/hr = $30,200/year (purchasing power: $26,991).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,333/year (purchasing power: $44,986).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+6.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in San Diego (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in San Diego grew 2.1% from $23.17/hr (2021) to $23.65/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.76/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
Looking at the potential earnings of part-time medical coders in San Diego, those working a typical 24-hour week will take home a substantial income when compared to full-time workers. Per diem medical coder pay in San Diego often sees a premium of 10-25% over traditional staff positions, thereby attracting those who prefer flexibility. Hourly compensation can vary widely based on the type of employer—from private practices to large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics—each offering different trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits like health insurance. Medical coders should consider these factors carefully; negotiating for a higher rate without benefits may be appealing, but securing a stable position with benefits can be equally advantageous. Knowing the market rate and understanding how to articulate your skills and experience can help you secure a favorable position in the competitive landscape of medical coder hourly rates in CA.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in San Diego in 2026?
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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 San Diego. 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