Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Wilkes-Barre, PA: $18.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Wilkes-Barre, PA runs $18.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Wilkes-Barre's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,023 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $18.45 in 2026, which is below the national median of $20.13. This figure reflects the hourly earnings for coders working in clinical settings, including hospitals and outpatient facilities. For part-time workers, such as those taking on a schedule of three days per week, this translates to a take-home income that can still provide decent supplemental earnings. The hourly rate range for medical coders in this area spans from $13.43 at the 10th percentile to about $28.25 for the top earners, illustrating the potential for growth depending on experience and expertise. It is essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salary data, contextualizing what can be expected in the local job market.
About the Wilkes-Barre Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($52,000) 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) | $15.60 | $124.83 |
| Median (P50) | $18.45 | $147.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.02 | $184.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.25 | $226.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilkes-Barre
Based on $18.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.45/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilkes-Barre, PA can expect to earn approximately $38,372 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,138. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilkes-Barre.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilkes-Barre
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $737.93 | $3,198 | $38,372 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $442.76 | $1,919 | $23,023 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.17 | $1,279 | $15,349 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Wilkes-Barre) | $18.45 |
| 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 Wilkes-Barre, PA earn a median of $38,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.34% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.60% below the Pennsylvania state average of $38,992.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.45/hr = $23,023/year (purchasing power: $23,638).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,372/year (purchasing power: $39,397).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.45/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Wilkes-Barre (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Wilkes-Barre grew 9.6% from $16.45/hr (2021) to $18.03/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.88/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 Wilkes-Barre 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 Wilkes-Barre
Those considering part-time work as medical coders in Wilkes-Barre could achieve an annual income of approximately $28,012 if working 24 hours a week. In contrast, full-time coders could expect significantly higher earnings. For those looking into per diem medical coder pay in Wilkes-Barre, there’s the possibility of earning a 10-25% increase over standard staff positions, often making it an attractive option for skilled professionals seeking flexibility. Hourly rates can fluctuate considerably depending on the employer type; private practices, larger healthcare organizations, and specialized clinics might offer different compensations. While some coders may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without benefits for greater financial flexibility. When negotiating pay rates, it's crucial to highlight relevant experience and credentials, as these factors can greatly influence salary discussions for hourly roles in the region.
More salary data for Wilkes-Barre, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Wilkes-Barre in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Wilkes-Barre?
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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 Wilkes-Barre. 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 Wilkes-Barre 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