Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $23.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $23.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,588 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,753 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, California, medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $23.84 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $20.13. This competitive rate provides a strong incentive for both part-time and per-diem medical coders, who typically work in settings such as clinics and hospitals. For those seeking flexible schedules, the hourly range spans from approximately $18.14 at the entry level to $36.35 for the top earners in the field. This variance allows individuals to tailor their employment experience according to their financial and personal needs, making medical coding an enticing option for many in the local workforce. This information is drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, providing an accurate representation of the projected hourly landscape for this profession.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.14 | $145.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.07 | $152.58 |
| Median (P50) | $23.84 | $190.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.37 | $258.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.35 | $290.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $23.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.84/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $49,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,609. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $953.62 | $4,132 | $49,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $572.17 | $2,479 | $29,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $381.45 | $1,653 | $19,835 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Santa Cruz) | $23.84 |
| 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 Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $49,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.46% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 2.50% above the California state average of $48,379.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.84/hr = $29,753/year (purchasing power: $27,074).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,588/year (purchasing power: $45,123).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.84/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Santa Cruz (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Santa Cruz grew 3.8% from $22.45/hr (2021) to $23.30/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.39/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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz
In terms of earning potential, medical coders working part-time in Santa Cruz can expect to take home approximately $28,224 annually, based on a schedule of 24 hours per week. While this figure might not rival full-time earnings, it demonstrates that part-time coders can still achieve a reasonable income, especially if they factor in additional work opportunities. Per diem medical coder pay in Santa Cruz often commands a premium over standard staff rates, with wages frequently exceeding regular hourly pay by 10-25% when working through agencies or on a locum basis. The differences in hourly rates can also reflect the type of employer; for example, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics may offer more competitive compensation compared to smaller private practices. For medical coders considering employment options, it is crucial to weigh the benefits trade-off—accepting a higher hourly rate may mean foregoing health insurance and other benefits that are typically available with salaried positions. Remember to negotiate effectively based on your skills and experience, as employers in the Santa Cruz area have varied demands, making ongoing adjustments in hourly rates commonplace.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Santa Cruz in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Santa Cruz?
Are medical coders in Santa Cruz paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Santa Cruz?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Cruz?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Santa Cruz. 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