Medical Coder Salary in Lancaster, CA: $49,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Lancaster, CA earns a median $49,371/year (≈ $23.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lancaster's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,653 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, California, the projected salary for a medical coder in 2026 is $49,371, which reflects a significant advantage over the national median of $41,861. This local median positions the medical coder salary in Lancaster as approximately 17.94% higher than the national average, contributing to a more favorable financial landscape for professionals in this field. The salary range spans from $34,056 at the 10th percentile to as high as $76,526 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the potential for growth and variability in compensation based on experience and skillset, making Lancaster a competitive market for medical coders.
About the Lancaster Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,056 | $16.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,477 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,371 | $23.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,844 | $29.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,526 | $36.79 |
Median Salary Position
17.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lancaster
In Lancaster, CA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,470 (2026 est.). At $49,371, the local median is 17.94% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lancaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lancaster Medical Coder Pay Compares
Lancaster median: $49,371/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lancaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,403 | +2.00% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +17.94% more |
Medical Coders in Lancaster, CA earn a median of $49,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.94% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 2.00% above the California state average of $48,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lancaster has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lancaster, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,371 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,653 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$44,025
2025 BLS Actual
$48,252
2026 Current Est.
$49,371
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Lancaster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44,025 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,516 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,025 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,517 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lancaster metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $44,025 (2021) to $48,252 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,517 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,492 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lancaster 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,056 – $40,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,477 – $49,371 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,371 – $61,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,844 – $76,526 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Lancaster
With around 40 medical coders currently employed in Lancaster, the job market reflects steady demand in the healthcare sector. The cost of living index at 113.1 indicates that expenses in the area are slightly above the national average, which can impact overall purchasing power. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offer higher pay compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include shift differentials, differences in required credentials, and the benefits packages offered by various employers. For medical coders in Lancaster looking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions within larger healthcare systems could prove beneficial in enhancing their earning potential amidst a competitive job environment.
More salary data for Lancaster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Lancaster, CA in 2026?
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Can medical coders make $100K in Lancaster?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Lancaster?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $48,252 for medical codersin the Lancaster metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lancaster 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