Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $15.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Sulphur, LA runs $15.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $32,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $17.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $19,665 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical coder hourly pay in Sulphur, Louisiana, is projected to be $15.76, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $20.13. This discrepancy indicates that medical coders in Sulphur may experience limitations in their earning potential compared to their counterparts in other regions. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a take-home pay that could support a modest lifestyle, particularly given the area's cost of living index of 90.3, which is below the national average. Entry-level coders can expect to earn around $12.42 per hour, while experienced professionals might earn up to $23.42. Such data typically derives from annual salary estimates, emphasizing the need for prospective and current coders to understand their positioning within the local job market.
About the Sulphur Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.42 | $99.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $13.92 | $111.32 |
| Median (P50) | $15.76 | $126.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19.38 | $155.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $15.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $15.76/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $32,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $18,909. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $630.29 | $2,731 | $32,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $378.17 | $1,639 | $19,665 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $252.12 | $1,093 | $13,110 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Sulphur) | $15.76 |
| 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 Sulphur, LA earn a median of $32,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.71% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $35,431.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $15.76/hr = $19,665/year (purchasing power: $21,778).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $32,775/year (purchasing power: $36,296).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$15.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$15.76/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Sulphur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $14.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $15.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Sulphur grew 9.6% from $14.05/hr (2021) to $15.40/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $16.12/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
Understanding the financial dynamics at play can help medical coders in Sulphur make informed career choices. A part-time medical coder working 24 hours a week could earn about $19,660 annually, while those working full-time would see a significantly higher income. For those considering per diem medical coder pay in Sulphur, agency rates often promise a premium of 10-25% above standard W-2 pay, offering an attractive alternative for flexible schedules. The earnings can vary widely, especially between different employer types, such as private practices and large healthcare organizations, each with its compensation strategies. While opting for a lower hourly rate may seem less appealing upfront, coders may find value in health insurance and retirement benefits that accompany full-time roles. When negotiating hourly pay, emphasize your coding certifications or experience, as these are critical factors in the hiring process within Sulphur's healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Sulphur?
Are medical coders in Sulphur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Sulphur?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Sulphur?
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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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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