Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $19.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Pasadena, TX runs $19.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,837 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, TX, medical coders are looking at a median hourly pay of $19.90, slightly below the national hourly median of $20.13. This rate offers a decent livelihood for those considering part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, translating to around $30,000 annually. For per-diem medical coders, who often have the flexibility to pick up shifts as needed, the hourly rates can be particularly appealing, especially given the potential for higher earnings. The hourly compensation for medical coders in Pasadena varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $14.56 and top earners reaching up to $30.85 per hour. Keep in mind that these estimates are derived from annual salary data, showcasing the potential earning landscape in this vital healthcare role.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.56 | $116.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.94 | $135.55 |
| Median (P50) | $19.90 | $159.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.48 | $203.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $19.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.90/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $41,395 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,881. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $796.05 | $3,450 | $41,395 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $477.63 | $2,070 | $24,837 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $318.42 | $1,380 | $16,558 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Pasadena) | $19.90 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $41,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.09% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 12.20% above the Texas state average of $36,901.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.90/hr = $24,837/year (purchasing power: $25,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,395/year (purchasing power: $43,119).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$17.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.90/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Pasadena (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Pasadena grew 9.6% from $17.75/hr (2021) to $19.45/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.36/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Exploring the financial realities for part-time medical coders reveals an interesting contrast. A full-time position typically guarantees consistent income, contributing to the overall compensation package, including benefits. In contrast, a medical coder working 24 hours a week brings home a modest salary when compared to full-time counterparts. Many per diem and agency coders enjoy pay rates that are 10-25% higher than standard W-2 staff rates, incentivizing flexible work arrangements. Different employers—such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics—often have varying pay scales. Those in larger organizations might receive more benefits, while independent practices may offer higher hourly rates. When negotiating in Pasadena, being aware of these differences and understanding the trade-offs between higher pay without benefits versus a lower hourly rate with healthcare perks can help medical coders make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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