Medical Coder Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $24.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in North Charleston, SC runs $24.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical coder hourly pay in North Charleston, SC, stands at a median rate of $24.90, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $20.13. This hourly rate creates attractive earning opportunities for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, offering the possibility of a stable income while allowing for flexible schedules. The hourly pay range for medical coders in this region varies considerably, starting from approximately $16.79 for entry-level positions to $38.60 for seasoned professionals, showcasing a diverse landscape of compensation that reflects experience and skill levels. These figures are projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, revealing a meaningful increase for medical coders in North Charleston compared to their counterparts nationwide.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.79 | $134.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.68 | $173.45 |
| Median (P50) | $24.90 | $199.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.52 | $252.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.60 | $308.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $24.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.90/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $51,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,886. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.19 | $4,317 | $51,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.71 | $2,590 | $31,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.48 | $1,727 | $20,721 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (North Charleston) | $24.90 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $51,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.72% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 19.30% above the South Carolina state average of $43,413.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.90/hr = $31,081/year (purchasing power: $33,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,802/year (purchasing power: $56,614).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.90/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in North Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in North Charleston grew 9.6% from $22.21/hr (2021) to $24.34/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.48/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 North 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 North Charleston
For part-time coders working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home can be quite competitive, contrasting the earnings of their full-time peers who are immersed in 40-hour weeks. Many medical coders opt for per diem frameworks, where the pay often carries a premium of 10-25% over standard staff wages, providing a financial boost while allowing professionals to retain a degree of flexibility. Hourly rates can differ based on employer types—private practices, community health centers, and large healthcare organizations each present unique compensation structures influenced by their respective operational budgets. Medical coders in North Charleston might find that while some positions offer lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance, others may compensate with higher pay but lack such advantages. Those entering the North Charleston market should also be ready to negotiate based on their qualifications, especially when considering the varying employer demands in the local healthcare environment.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in North 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 North 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
Salary data for North Charleston 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