Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Apex, NC: $18.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Apex, NC runs $18.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $39,029 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Apex's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apex, North Carolina, medical coders earn a median hourly rate of $18.77, which falls below the national median of $20.13. This hourly wage translates well for both part-time workers, who may choose to work three days a week, and per-diem coders, who can take on varying hours depending on demand. At the entry-level, hourly rates begin around $13.40, while experienced professionals can earn up to $29.04 per hour, illustrating a significant range based on experience and expertise. These figures, derived from projected annual salary data, reflect the dynamic environment and needs of the healthcare industry within the region, particularly in clinical settings where coders typically operate.
About the Apex Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.40 | $107.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.40 | $131.22 |
| Median (P50) | $18.77 | $150.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.42 | $187.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $29.04 | $232.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apex
Based on $18.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.77/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apex, NC can expect to earn approximately $39,032 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,519. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apex.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apex
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $750.62 | $3,253 | $39,032 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $450.37 | $1,952 | $23,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $300.25 | $1,301 | $15,613 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Apex) | $18.77 |
| 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 Apex, NC earn a median of $39,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.70% above the North Carolina state average of $38,758.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.77/hr = $23,419/year (purchasing power: $25,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $39,032/year (purchasing power: $41,701).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.77/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Apex (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Apex grew 9.6% from $16.73/hr (2021) to $18.34/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.20/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 Apex 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 Apex
When considering the financial implications of part-time work in this field, a medical coder in Apex working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly lower than that of a full-time employee, yet the flexibility is often a trade-off well worth it for many professionals. Per diem opportunities are compelling as they typically offer a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, providing a feasible alternative to traditional employment. Hourly rates can also fluctuate depending on the employer type; private practices might offer lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which tend to provide better compensation packages. While some coders may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher rates without the added perks, showcasing varying priorities within the workforce. For those in Apex negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing specialized skill sets or certifications can leverage higher rates, assisting in securing a more favorable position within the local market.
More salary data for Apex, NC:
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 Apex. 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 Apex 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