Medical Coder Salary in Crystal Lake, IL: $38,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Crystal Lake, IL earns a median $38,947/year (≈ $18.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Crystal Lake's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $40,110 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected salary for medical coders in Crystal Lake, Illinois, is estimated at $38,947, reflecting a purchasing power that is somewhat lacking compared to the national average of $41,861. This salary figure falls within a salary range from $29,628 at the lower end (P10) to $60,368 at the 90th percentile (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional price variations, indicate that while the median pay is lower than the national context, there are still opportunities for earnings growth. In this competitive job market, where local medical coders find themselves amidst a range of private practices and healthcare organizations, exploration and strategic movement within the sector can yield better compensation.
About the Crystal Lake Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,628 | $14.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,947 | $18.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,402 | $23.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60,368 | $29.02 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Crystal Lake
In Crystal Lake, IL, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,740 (2026 est.). At $38,947, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Crystal Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Crystal Lake Medical Coder Pay Compares
Crystal Lake median: $38,947/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Crystal Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $40,911 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -6.96% less |
Medical Coders in Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $38,947 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $40,911.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Crystal Lake has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Crystal Lake, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $38,947 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $40,110 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$34,729
2025 BLS Actual
$38,064
2026 Current Est.
$38,947
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Crystal Lake (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,729 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,117 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,851 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Crystal Lake metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $34,729 (2021) to $38,064 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,122 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Crystal Lake 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) | $29,628 – $33,760 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,760 – $38,947 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,947 – $49,402 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,402 – $60,368 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Crystal Lake
With only nine medical coders currently employed in the Crystal Lake area, the job market appears limited but has room for growth, especially considering it has a cost-of-living index of 97.1, indicating that expenses are slightly below the national average. This financial context means that the actual purchasing power for medical coders can be somewhat stretched. Among local employers, larger healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, largely due to their comprehensive benefits packages and the complexity of their coding needs. The significant pay disparity between entry-level positions and those that require specialized credentials reflects various factors, including shift differentials and employer size. To optimize earnings, medical coders in Crystal Lake should consider pursuing additional certifications and targeting larger employers, as this could enhance their marketability and overall compensation in the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
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 $38,064 for medical codersin the Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake 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