Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Houston, TX: $20.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Houston, TX runs $20.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,951 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Houston's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.6, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $25,169 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical coders in Houston, Texas, earn a median hourly rate of $20.17, slightly higher than the national median of $20.13. This compensation reflects the vital role medical coders play in healthcare settings, ensuring accurate billing and documentation. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can provide a decent income, allowing for flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly pay range for medical coders in Houston shows variability, starting from approximately $15.01 per hour for entry-level positions and climbing to almost $31.69 for experienced top earners. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the earning potential within this profession in the Houston market.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.01 | $120.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.85 | $142.84 |
| Median (P50) | $20.17 | $161.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.84 | $206.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.69 | $253.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Houston
Based on $20.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $20.17/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Houston, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,948 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $24,201. With a cost-of-living index of 98.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Houston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Houston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $806.69 | $3,496 | $41,948 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $484.01 | $2,097 | $25,169 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $322.68 | $1,398 | $16,779 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Houston) | $20.17 |
| 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 Houston, TX earn a median of $41,951 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.21% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 13.60% above the Texas state average of $36,929.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $20.17/hr = $25,169/year (purchasing power: $25,519).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,948/year (purchasing power: $42,531).
CoL index: 98.629 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$21.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$20.17/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-2.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Houston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Houston grew -6.9% from $21.16/hr (2021) to $19.71/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.64/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 Houston 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 Houston
Consider the earnings of a medical coder working part-time at 24 hours per week. Such a coder would take home about $25,072 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time medical coder’s potential earnings. Moreover, per diem medical coder pay in Houston can sometimes offer 10-25% higher rates compared to full-time staff positions, reflecting the demand for flexible work arrangements. Differences in hourly pay across employer types also exist; large healthcare organizations may offer more competitive rates than private practices or specialty clinics, but with the trade-off of fewer benefits. Those contemplating employment must weigh the benefits package against the hourly rate, as some may prefer higher pay without benefits while others might opt for lower pay that includes health insurance. For negotiation, understanding the local job market and having clarity on the benefits offered can greatly aid medical coders in Houston during salary discussions.
More salary data for Houston, TX:
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 Houston. 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