Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $23.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Washington, DC runs $23.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $21.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,885 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach $23.14 in 2026, ranking significantly above the national median hourly rate of $20.13. This competitive pay structure benefits part-time workers, especially those who may work three days a week, allowing them to acquire a meaningful income while enjoying flexibility in their schedules. For medical coders entering the workforce, starting hourly rates are estimated around $16.91, with established professionals potentially earning up to $36.42 per hour. This range provides a substantial opportunity for coders in various clinical settings, including hospitals and private practices, to secure a compensation package that aligns with their level of experience and professional credentials, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.91 | $135.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.27 | $154.13 |
| Median (P50) | $23.14 | $185.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.57 | $236.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.42 | $291.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $23.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.14/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $48,141 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,774. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $925.79 | $4,012 | $48,141 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $555.47 | $2,407 | $28,885 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $370.32 | $1,605 | $19,256 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Washington) | $23.14 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $48,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.00% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 22.90% above the District of Columbia state average of $39,170.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.14/hr = $28,885/year (purchasing power: $26,528).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,141/year (purchasing power: $44,213).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$28.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.14/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-15.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Washington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Washington grew -19.2% from $28.00/hr (2021) to $22.62/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.68/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 Washington 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 Washington
When considering part-time employment, a medical coder working 24 hours per week could expect to take home roughly $30,084 annually. This figure contrasts against a full-time position that could yield a much higher income, depending on overtime and extra hours. Per diem medical coder pay in Washington typically offers a premium of 10-25% above standard staff rates, appealing to many professionals seeking higher flexibility or short-term engagements. Hourly rates can differ markedly across various employer types; private practices might provide lower pay but offer better benefits, while large healthcare organizations may prioritize higher hourly wages. Coders in Washington should weigh the benefits of health insurance and job security against the potential for higher pay in contract or per-diem positions. When negotiating rates, being aware of market trends and regional variances can empower coders to advocate for a compensation that truly reflects their skills and contributions to healthcare organizations.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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 Washington. 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