Medical Coder Salary in Santa Monica, CA: $48,903 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Santa Monica, CA earns a median $48,903/year (≈ $23.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Santa Monica's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $43,239 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for medical coders in Santa Monica is $48,903, reflecting a competitive position within the state and the nation. This figure sits significantly above the national median of $41,861, indicating a robust local demand for medical coding professionals. Salary ranges offer a wide spectrum, with entry-level positions starting around $35,191 and experienced coders earning up to $75,800 annually. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for the local cost of living, suggest that Santa Monica's market for medical coders is relatively healthy, albeit competitive, due to the employment of just 20 medical coders in the area.
About the Santa Monica Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,191 | $16.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,115 | $19.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,903 | $23.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,315 | $29.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,800 | $36.45 |
Median Salary Position
16.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Monica
In Santa Monica, CA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,609 (2026 est.). At $48,903, the local median is 16.82% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Monica: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Monica Medical Coder Pay Compares
Santa Monica median: $48,903/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Monica Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,371 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +16.82% more |
Medical Coders in Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $48,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.82% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.10% above the California state average of $48,371.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Monica has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Monica, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,903 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,239 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$43,607
2025 BLS Actual
$47,794
2026 Current Est.
$48,903
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Santa Monica (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,607 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,588 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,446 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,794 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,903 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,037 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Monica metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $43,607 (2021) to $47,794 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,037 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,430 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Monica 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) | $35,191 – $41,115 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,115 – $48,903 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,903 – $61,315 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,315 – $75,800 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Santa Monica
The local job market for medical coders in Santa Monica reveals both opportunities and challenges, primarily influenced by the area's cost of living index of 113.1. This means that while salaries may appear higher, the purchasing power remains a crucial factor for coders looking to maximize their income. Employers vary in pay scales based on factors like employer size and the specific type of healthcare facility; large healthcare organizations often offer more substantial salaries than community health centers or private practices. The disparity in wages often arises from additional factors, such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and comprehensive benefits. To navigate this competitive landscape effectively, aspiring medical coders should consider obtaining specialty certifications and seeking positions in advanced healthcare systems, which can enhance their earning potential in Santa Monica, CA.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
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
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 $47,794 for medical codersin the Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica 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