Medical Coder Salary in District of Columbia: $48,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median medical coder pay sits at $48,140/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2072. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $41,145 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($47,048).
In 2026, medical coders in the District of Columbia can expect an average median salary of $48,140, which is 15.0% higher than the national median of $41,861. This salary applies to the only significant urban center, Washington, which also ranks as the highest and lowest paying city for this occupation, reflecting uniform pay across the region. With a total of 2,370 medical coders employed in the area, the job market is set to grow at an annual rate of 2.32%. Factors influencing salaries in the District include state licensing requirements and a well-defined scope of practice for medical coders. These regulatory frameworks ensure that coders possess the necessary qualifications to handle complex medical billing accurately. Additionally, the demand for skilled coders in the nation's capital is driven by the presence of numerous healthcare facilities, government agencies, and private practices, all needing accurate coding for compliance and reimbursement purposes. The relatively high salary and steady growth potential make medical coding a viable career choice in the District of Columbia, providing opportunities for professionals looking to enter or advance in the healthcare sector.
District of Columbia Medical Coder Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $35,165 (lowest entry-level) to $75,750 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia medical coders earn 15.00% more than the national median (+$6,279/year difference).
District of Columbia Medical Coder Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical Coder salaries in District of Columbia range from $35,165 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $75,750 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $48,140. The District of Columbia median is $6,279 above the US national median of $41,861. The average hourly rate is $23.14/hr. Approximately 2,370 medical coders are employed across 1 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$58,250
2025 BLS Actual
$47,048
2026 Current Est.
$48,140
2021–2027 Growth
+-15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in District of Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,256 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -19.2% from $58,250 (2021) to $47,048 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $-8,994 (-15.44%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,165 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $48,140 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $75,750 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $48,140 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Explore More Medical Coder Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in District of Columbia in 2026?
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How does District of Columbia medical coder pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical coder salary in District of Columbia?
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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
Statewide 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. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical coder compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical coderscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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