Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Whittier, CA: $23.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Whittier, CA runs $23.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Whittier'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 2026, medical coder hourly pay in Whittier, CA, is projected to reach a median rate of $23.61, which is significantly higher than the national median of $20.13. This robust hourly rate presents valuable opportunities for part-time workers, typically those employed three days a week, allowing them to sustain a decent income while maintaining flexible hours. Per-diem roles also benefit from this favorable pay structure; with positions often compensated based on the annual estimate, entry-level coders can expect to earn around $17.16 per hour, while top earners may command $36.59 per hour. These hourly figures reflect an industry that rewards skill and experience appropriately, establishing a competitive framework for medical coders operating in clinical and administrative settings across Whittier.
About the Whittier 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) | $17.16 | $137.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.44 | $155.53 |
| Median (P50) | $23.61 | $188.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.72 | $237.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.59 | $292.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whittier
Based on $23.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.61/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whittier, 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 Whittier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whittier
| 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 (Whittier) | $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 Whittier, CA earn a median of $49,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.28% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.50% above the California state average of $48,370.
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 Whittier (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 Whittier 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 Whittier 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 Whittier
For those considering part-time work as a medical coder, a commitment of three days a week at this median hourly rate allows one to bring home a substantial income, creating a compelling case for flexibility in the healthcare sector. Per diem medical coder pay in Whittier is often heightened, with agency positions typically offering a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, making this option attractive for experienced coders seeking brevity in their workweek. Moreover, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer; private practices may offer lower compensation compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that frequently attract skilled coders with higher wages. While some coders opt for lower hourly rates within organizations that provide comprehensive benefits, others prioritize financial gains, reflecting a trade-off scenario. When negotiating pay, medical coders should emphasize their qualifications and consider the total compensation package, striking a balance that meets their financial needs while ensuring job satisfaction in Whittier’s diverse healthcare environment.
More salary data for Whittier, 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 Whittier. 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 Whittier 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