Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $18.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Columbia, TN runs $18.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,691 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbia, Tennessee, medical coders can anticipate a median hourly rate of $18.18, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $20.13. This median rate provides a solid foundation for part-time professionals seeking flexible schedules, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to balance professional and personal commitments effectively. For coders working on a per-diem basis, the compensation can effectively reflect a premium for those willing to fill shifts as needed. Entry-level positions on the lower end of the spectrum start around $13.02, while more experienced or specialized coders can earn as much as $28.18 per hour, showcasing a wide range in earning potential based on experience level and workplace settings.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.02 | $104.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.16 | $121.31 |
| Median (P50) | $18.18 | $145.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.18 | $225.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $18.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.18/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $37,819 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,819. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $727.29 | $3,152 | $37,819 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $436.37 | $1,891 | $22,691 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $290.92 | $1,261 | $15,128 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Columbia) | $18.18 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $37,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $38,785.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.18/hr = $22,691/year (purchasing power: $24,718).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,819/year (purchasing power: $41,197).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.18/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Columbia grew 9.6% from $16.21/hr (2021) to $17.77/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.60/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Considerations for part-time medical coders in Columbia include the potential annual earnings from a typical schedule of 24 hours weekly, which would translate to significantly lower annual take-home pay compared to full-timers. Working on a per-diem basis may provide higher flexibility and allow coders to command a 10-25% premium above standard wages. The hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer types; private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each have different budget constraints and pay scales. As some medical coders opt for lower wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly positions, even without health coverage. Negotiating hourly pay in Columbia can involve emphasizing experience or specialty certifications, which may give leverage when discussing compensation with potential employers.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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