Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $18.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Sanford, NC runs $18.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical coding in Sanford, North Carolina, offers a median hourly rate of $18.38, which sits below the national median of $20.13. This rate is important for individuals interested in part-time work, as taking on a typical schedule of three days a week translates to a reliable income, especially in clinical settings where these roles are primarily located. For entry-level coders, hourly pay begins at $13.43, while more experienced coders can earn as much as $28.22 per hour. It is essential to interpret these figures based on annual salary estimates, as they reflect the broader market dynamics affecting the medical coder hourly pay in Sanford.
About the Sanford 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) | $13.43 | $107.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.58 | $124.67 |
| Median (P50) | $18.38 | $147.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.98 | $183.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.22 | $225.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $18.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.38/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $38,223 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,052. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $735.07 | $3,185 | $38,223 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $441.04 | $1,911 | $22,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $294.03 | $1,274 | $15,289 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Sanford) | $18.38 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $38,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.69% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $38,765.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.38/hr = $22,934/year (purchasing power: $24,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,223/year (purchasing power: $40,837).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.38/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Sanford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Sanford grew 9.6% from $16.39/hr (2021) to $17.96/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.80/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Examining the financial landscape for medical coders reveals interesting earning potentials, particularly for those who opt for part-time or per-diem work. A part-time coder working 24 hours a week would earn significantly less than their full-time counterparts, totaling about $22,816 annually. Per diem medical coder pay in Sanford could present opportunities for higher earnings, as agencies often offer rates that exceed traditional staff pay by 10-25%, giving coders some flexibility in their salary negotiations. Hourly wages vary among employer types; large healthcare organizations may provide more stability and benefits, while private practices may offer slightly lower pay but can be appealing for those wanting to prioritize work-life balance. Coders need to weigh the benefits of consistent pay and health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates if they choose freelance avenues. Flexibility in negotiating compensation and understanding local market trends could also significantly influence one’s income potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Sanford, 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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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