Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $23.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Bellingham, WA runs $23.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.3, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $22.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,293 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical coders in Bellingham, WA, can expect a median hourly pay of $23.47 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $20.13. This hourly rate suggests a competitive market for those working in various clinical settings, particularly for part-time employees who may work three days a week. With the hourly range stretching from $14.97 for entry-level positions to $38.62 for top earners, medical coders can find meaningful opportunities within the profession. The figures provided are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting Bellingham's growing demand for skilled coders in healthcare environments.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.97 | $119.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.72 | $149.80 |
| Median (P50) | $23.47 | $187.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.10 | $224.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.62 | $308.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $23.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.47/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $48,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,167. With a cost-of-living index of 103.33 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $938.89 | $4,069 | $48,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $563.33 | $2,441 | $29,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $375.56 | $1,627 | $19,529 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Bellingham) | $23.47 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $48,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.60% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 2.20% above the Washington state average of $47,760.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.47/hr = $29,293/year (purchasing power: $28,348).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,822/year (purchasing power: $47,247).
CoL index: 103.334 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.47/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+3.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Bellingham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Bellingham grew -1.3% from $23.25/hr (2021) to $22.94/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.02/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
For part-time medical coders working 24 hours a week, the potential to earn significantly can result in an annual income different from their full-time counterparts. Per diem medical coder pay in Bellingham often allows workers to capitalize on higher rates, typically offering a premium of 10-25% over standard staff pay. Hourly rates will vary depending on employers, with private practices generally presenting different compensation than larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Many coders face a trade-off between accepting lower hourly wages that offer benefits versus choosing higher pay without them. When negotiating, it's vital for coders to understand the local market, advocate for their worth, and be aware of their earning potential across various employment settings in Bellingham.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Bellingham?
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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 Bellingham. 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