Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $18.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $18.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,845 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median hourly pay for medical coders in Oak Ridge, TN, stands at $18.31. This figure is somewhat lower than the national median of $20.13, indicating a slight disparity in earnings for local professionals. For those working part-time, such as a typical 3-day work week, this rate translates into approximately $1,200 monthly, which may not be sufficient in a market where full-time positions offer more financial security. The hourly pay for these professionals ranges from $13.24 for entry-level positions to $28.37 for top earners, making the field accessible for various experience levels. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting a competitive edge for those entering the workforce in clinical settings, where demand for qualified coders is increasingly prevalent.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $13.24 | $105.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.42 | $123.36 |
| Median (P50) | $18.31 | $146.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.78 | $182.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.37 | $226.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $18.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.31/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $38,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,966. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $732.20 | $3,173 | $38,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $439.32 | $1,904 | $22,845 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $292.88 | $1,269 | $15,230 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Oak Ridge) | $18.31 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $38,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.05% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $38,810.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.31/hr = $22,845/year (purchasing power: $24,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,074/year (purchasing power: $41,475).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$16.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.31/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Oak Ridge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Oak Ridge grew 9.6% from $16.32/hr (2021) to $17.89/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.73/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Evaluating the earning potential for medical coders reveals intriguing dynamics, particularly for those considering part-time vs. full-time roles. A part-time coder, working 24 hours a week, could expect to take home roughly $28,800 annually, which contrasts starkly with the income of a full-time worker who would average about $38,000 annually. Per diem medical coder pay in Oak Ridge tends to run higher, potentially offering rates that are 10-25% above standard staff wages, creating an attractive alternative for those seeking flexibility. Employers vary, with private practices generally offering different compensation structures compared to large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. It’s essential for coders to consider benefits such as health insurance alongside their hourly pay. Medical coders might accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while also recognizing that negotiating for better pay is strengthened by understanding local market standards and the specific demands of different employer types in Oak Ridge.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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