Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Dover, DE: $21.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Dover, DE runs $21.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,137 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Dover's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.5, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,484 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Dover, DE, medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $21.22 by 2026, which surpasses the national average of $20.13. This rate provides various opportunities for both full-time and part-time employees within clinical settings like hospitals and physician practices. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to approximately $33,100 annually, making it a viable option for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly pay in this field can range from an entry-level rate of $14.20 to a top earning potential of $27.55, offering a diverse earning spectrum for coders at different stages of their careers. 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) | $14.20 | $113.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.89 | $127.12 |
| Median (P50) | $21.22 | $169.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.43 | $211.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.55 | $220.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dover
Based on $21.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.22/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dover, DE can expect to earn approximately $44,140 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,465. With a cost-of-living index of 97.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $848.85 | $3,678 | $44,140 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $509.31 | $2,207 | $26,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $339.54 | $1,471 | $17,656 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Dover) | $21.22 |
| 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 Dover, DE earn a median of $44,137 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.44% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 29.60% above the Delaware state average of $34,056.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.22/hr = $26,484/year (purchasing power: $27,161).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,140/year (purchasing power: $45,269).
CoL index: 97.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.22/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+23.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Dover (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Dover grew 17.5% from $17.65/hr (2021) to $20.74/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.71/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 Dover 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 Dover
When considering part-time medical coders in Dover, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial income, particularly compared to those in full-time roles. Per-diem medical coders may find their earnings elevated significantly, as rates often reflect a 10-25% premium over standard staff pay, making them attractive for those who prefer flexibility. Hourly rates can vary considerably depending on employer type—private practices, large healthcare systems, and specialty clinics may offer different compensation packages, which includes benefits. Medical coders opting for positions with perks like health insurance typically earn more modest hourly rates than those opting for higher pay without benefits. Negotiation plays a key role in maximizing hourly earnings, and professionals in Dover should be prepared to discuss their skills and credentials to secure a more favorable agreement.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
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 Dover. 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