Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $24.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Charleston, SC runs $24.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,417 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, medical coders earn a median hourly rate of $24.37, which exceeds the national average of $20.13 significantly, reflecting a 21.14% premium for local professionals. This favorable hourly rate is especially beneficial for those working part-time or per diem, as it allows for a sustainable income while accommodating varied schedules. Entry-level positions typically start at about $15.04 per hour, while more experienced coders can earn upwards of $27.29. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing insight into the competitive nature of the medical coder hourly pay in Charleston and making it an appealing choice for those entering the field.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.04 | $120.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.09 | $152.74 |
| Median (P50) | $24.37 | $194.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.00 | $199.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $27.29 | $218.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $24.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.37/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $50,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,247. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $974.90 | $4,225 | $50,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.94 | $2,535 | $30,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.96 | $1,690 | $20,278 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Charleston) | $24.37 |
| 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 Charleston, SC earn a median of $50,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.14% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 16.80% above the South Carolina state average of $43,416.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.37/hr = $30,417/year (purchasing power: $30,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,695/year (purchasing power: $50,212).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.37/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Charleston grew 6.2% from $22.42/hr (2021) to $23.82/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.94/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 Charleston 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 Charleston
For those considering part-time work, a medical coder working three days a week for 24 hours could expect to take home approximately $30,148 annually, while full-time professionals would earn noticeably more. The per diem medical coder pay in Charleston often sees an additional premium, ranging from 10% to 25% more than available staff W-2 rates due to the flexibility of the arrangement. Hourly earnings can vary significantly by employer type, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics all offering different compensation structures. While some medical coders may opt for lower hourly rates with full-time positions that provide health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating pay, it may be prudent to highlight skills or certifications that can justify a higher rate, particularly within the Charleston market, where demand continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.32%. This nuanced understanding of medical coder hourly pay in SC can help professionals make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Charleston 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 Charleston. 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