Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Covington, KY: $17.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Covington, KY runs $17.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Covington's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical coders in Covington, Kentucky, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $17.73, which falls short of the national median of $20.13. This discrepancy signifies that medical coder hourly pay in Covington may be lower than what professionals in other regions typically earn, reflecting both local market conditions and the cost of living index in the area, currently at 89.3. For part-time workers—such as those putting in about three days a week—this wage could translate into a steady, albeit modest, income, creating a scenario where those seeking per diem opportunities can earn more if working sporadically across various clinical settings. The hourly range for medical coders in this market varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $13.07 and experienced coders potentially making up to $26.58 per hour.
About the Covington Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.07 | $104.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.06 | $120.49 |
| Median (P50) | $17.73 | $141.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.84 | $174.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.58 | $212.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Covington
Based on $17.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.73/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Covington, KY can expect to earn approximately $36,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,278. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Covington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Covington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $709.28 | $3,074 | $36,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $425.57 | $1,844 | $22,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $283.71 | $1,229 | $14,753 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Covington) | $17.73 |
| 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 Covington, KY earn a median of $36,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.30% below the Kentucky state average of $37,369.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.73/hr = $22,130/year (purchasing power: $24,781).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,883/year (purchasing power: $41,302).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.73/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Covington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Covington grew 9.6% from $15.81/hr (2021) to $17.33/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.14/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 Covington 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 Covington
Given these figures, a medical coder working three days a week, or 24 hours, would see substantial differences in their take-home pay compared to full-time counterparts. When calculating annual earnings, a part-time coder could expect to bring in about $18,264 if working consistently throughout the year. Furthermore, per diem medical coder pay in Covington often runs higher than standard staff hourly rates, with premiums ranging from 10% to 25%, allowing for potential earnings that can be more favorable at times. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the employer type—private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics can offer divergent pay scales. Those willing to trade off higher hourly wages for job security and benefits may find opportunities in larger organizations. For negotiation, coders should research employer standards and consider leveraging their credentials or experience to secure better pay, especially in an area where compensation varies noticeably.
More salary data for Covington, KY:
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 Covington. 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 Covington 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