Medical Coder Salary in Richmond, CA: $49,301 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Richmond, CA earns a median $49,301/year (≈ $23.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,591 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Richmond, CA showcases a diverse job market for medical coders, with a local employment count of 25 professionals currently in this occupation. For those contemplating a career in this field, the projected median annual salary is set at $49,301, reflecting a competitive landscape against the national median of $41,861, which suggests Richmond offers a stronger financial incentive for coders. The salary range for this role spans from $33,699 at the 10th percentile to $76,417 at the 90th percentile, providing ample opportunity for career advancement depending on experience and specialization. These figures are part of estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reinforcing the potential for a satisfying income in Richmond as demand for healthcare services continues to grow.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,699 | $16.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,335 | $19.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,301 | $23.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,759 | $30.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,417 | $36.74 |
Median Salary Position
17.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, CA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,718 (2026 est.). At $49,301, the local median is 17.77% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richmond: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richmond Medical Coder Pay Compares
Richmond median: $49,301/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,382 | +1.90% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +17.77% more |
Medical Coders in Richmond, CA earn a median of $49,301 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.77% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.90% above the California state average of $48,382.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $49,301 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,591 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,962
2025 BLS Actual
$48,183
2026 Current Est.
$49,301
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Richmond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,962 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,452 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,059 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,301 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,445 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $43,962 (2021) to $48,183 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,445 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,483 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $33,699 – $40,335 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,335 – $49,301 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,301 – $62,759 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,759 – $76,417 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Richmond
Despite the competitive salary figures, the cost of living in Richmond, indexed at 113.1, may impact the take-home purchasing power for medical coders. With 25 medical coders employed locally, the demand for specialists remains moderate but stable. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and community health centers typically offer more attractive compensation compared to smaller private practices. Variations in pay are influenced by factors like employer size, shift differentials, and the necessity for specialized credentials, which can drive higher wages for those with advanced training. To maximize earnings in Richmond's healthcare sector, aspiring coders should consider pursuing additional certifications and staying updated on industry standards to enhance their marketability. Understanding the local job market and aligning with employers known for better compensation can significantly improve medical coder pay in Richmond, CA.
More salary data for Richmond, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical coders make $100K in Richmond?
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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 $48,183 for medical codersin the Richmond 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 Richmond 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