Medical Coder Hourly Pay in San Rafael, CA: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in San Rafael, CA runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against San Rafael's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,459 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the projected medical coder hourly pay stands at $23.61, significantly above the national median of $20.13. This rate offers a favorable earning potential for part-time workers, particularly those on a 3-day work week, enabling them to balance their professional and personal lives while earning a competitive wage. Entry-level coders can expect to start at approximately $17.13 per hour, while seasoned professionals, particularly those in specialized settings, can command up to $36.58 per hour. This hourly pay scale in San Rafael reflects not just the expertise of the coders, but also the higher cost of living in the area, making it a compelling option for those considering careers in medical coding.
About the San Rafael 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) | $17.13 | $137.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.95 | $159.62 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.69 | $237.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.58 | $292.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Rafael
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Rafael, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,099 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,326. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Rafael.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Rafael
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $944.21 | $4,092 | $49,099 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $566.53 | $2,455 | $29,459 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $377.68 | $1,637 | $19,640 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (San Rafael) | $23.61 |
| 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 Rafael, CA earn a median of $49,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.27% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.50% above the California state average of $48,366.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.61/hr = $29,459/year (purchasing power: $26,047).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,099/year (purchasing power: $43,412).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.61/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in San Rafael (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in San Rafael grew 9.6% from $21.05/hr (2021) to $23.07/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.15/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 Rafael 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 Rafael
Shifting to an analysis of earning potential, a 3-day work week, equaling 24 hours, could yield an annual income of around $29,820 for a medical coder, which is significantly lower than full-time rates yet still provides a practical income for many professionals. Per diem medical coder pay in San Rafael can often be 10-25% higher than standard staff wages, presenting a lucrative option for those willing to work on a flexible basis. Additionally, hourly rates can differ between employer types; larger healthcare organizations may offer greater job security and benefits, while private practices or specialty clinics might provide higher hourly pay at the cost of some benefits. As coders negotiate their pay, understanding the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits like health insurance can be crucial. Those in San Rafael should also highlight their skill level and experience to secure the best possible hourly rate in this competitive job market.
More salary data for San Rafael, 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 San Rafael. 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 San Rafael 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