Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Charlotte, NC: $20.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Charlotte, NC runs $20.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Charlotte's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.3, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,105 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the medical coder hourly pay stands at an estimated $20.12 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $20.13. This hourly figure provides insight into the earnings potential for both part-time and per-diem medical coders, particularly in clinical settings where this role is integral. For those working three days a week, this translates to around $600 a week, making it a viable option for those seeking flexible employment. Entry-level coders can expect to earn about $15.81 per hour, while experienced coders at the top of their field can reach up to $32.31. These numbers, drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, illustrate the potential income range for those pursuing a career in medical coding in Charlotte.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.81 | $126.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.84 | $142.76 |
| Median (P50) | $20.12 | $160.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.27 | $226.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.31 | $258.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charlotte
Based on $20.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.12/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charlotte, NC can expect to earn approximately $41,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,139. With a cost-of-living index of 97.35 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Charlotte.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charlotte
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $804.64 | $3,487 | $41,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $482.79 | $2,092 | $25,105 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $321.86 | $1,395 | $16,737 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Charlotte) | $20.12 |
| 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 Charlotte, NC earn a median of $41,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.90% above the North Carolina state average of $38,773.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.12/hr = $25,105/year (purchasing power: $25,789).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,842/year (purchasing power: $42,981).
CoL index: 97.348 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$20.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.12/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+1.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Charlotte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Charlotte grew -3.2% from $20.31/hr (2021) to $19.66/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.58/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 Charlotte 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 Charlotte
When assessing the financial landscape for medical coders, it's essential to explore various employment scenarios and their respective benefits. A part-time medical coder working a 24-hour week might generate an annual income near $31,283, a stark contrast to full-time coders who earn substantially more. Per diem medical coder pay in Charlotte often exceeds staff salaries by 10-25%, attracting coders who are willing to trade job security for higher hourly compensation. Employment settings, such as private practices and large healthcare organizations, can influence pay rates significantly, with larger institutions generally offering more competitive salaries and benefits. While some coders may opt for lower hourly wages to gain access to health insurance and other perks, others may prioritize higher pay with fewer benefits. Negotiations for hourly rates in Charlotte can focus on leveraging unique skills or experience relevant to specific employer needs, enhancing earning possibilities for coders in this vibrant market.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Charlotte in 2026?
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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 Charlotte. 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