Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $18.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Hammond, LA runs $18.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,340 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.5, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,611 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the typical medical coder earns a median hourly rate of $18.92, which is slightly lower than the national median of $20.13. This figure reflects what medical coders can expect in clinical settings, where many work part-time or on a per-diem basis. For those working three days a week, the income provides a stable supplement or primary source of income, especially given the hourly range from $13.52 at the entry-level (P10) to $28.71 for the top earners (P90). The official data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS projections to 2026, highlights how these rates are influenced by local employment dynamics, potentially impacting job satisfaction and retention for coders in the field.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.52 | $108.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.12 | $120.98 |
| Median (P50) | $18.92 | $151.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.96 | $183.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.71 | $229.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $18.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.92/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $39,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,703. With a cost-of-living index of 84.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $756.76 | $3,279 | $39,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $454.06 | $1,968 | $23,611 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $302.70 | $1,312 | $15,741 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Hammond) | $18.92 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $39,340 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 11.00% above the Louisiana state average of $35,441.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.92/hr = $23,611/year (purchasing power: $27,955).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,351/year (purchasing power: $46,592).
CoL index: 84.46 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.92/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-13.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Hammond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Hammond grew -17.6% from $22.43/hr (2021) to $18.49/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.36/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
When examining the earning potential within this profession, part-time medical coders who average 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $22,000 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical coders in Hammond can command higher rates, often about 10-25% above standard staff pay due to the flexibility and demand for temporary positions. The hourly pay reflects different employer types, with large healthcare organizations typically offering more competitive salaries than private practices or community health centers. Moreover, coders may face a trade-off in benefits; those opting for higher hourly rates without benefits need to balance immediate income against health coverage. For negotiators in this workforce, it's essential to be aware of local pay scales and to make informed decisions that align with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Hammond, LA:
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 Hammond. 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