Medical Coder Salary in Elgin, IL: $47,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Elgin, IL earns a median $47,028/year (≈ $22.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $48,433 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.0% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for medical coders in 2026 is set at $47,028, marking a 12.34% increase compared to the national median of $41,861. The salary range for medical coders spans from $34,524 at the 10th percentile to $72,894 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variance in potential earnings. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and consider regional cost adjustments, which can significantly impact local compensation. With a growing demand for medical coders in the area, particularly as healthcare organizations expand, this salary outlook reflects Elgin's status as an attractive market for professionals seeking opportunities in this vital field.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,524 | $16.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,257 | $18.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,028 | $22.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,196 | $28.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,894 | $35.04 |
Median Salary Position
12.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,370 (2026 est.). At $47,028, the local median is 12.34% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Medical Coder Pay Compares
Elgin median: $47,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $40,894 | +15.00% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +12.34% more |
Medical Coders in Elgin, IL earn a median of $47,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.34% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 15.00% above the Illinois state average of $40,894.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $47,028 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,433 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$41,936
2025 BLS Actual
$45,962
2026 Current Est.
$47,028
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Elgin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $41,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,841 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,119 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $41,936 (2021) to $45,962 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,119 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,183 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $34,524 – $39,257 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,257 – $47,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,028 – $60,196 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,196 – $72,894 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Elgin
In Elgin, only 16 medical coders are currently employed, highlighting a niche but essential job market. The cost of living index sits at 97.1, meaning that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which enhances take-home purchasing power for medical coders in the region. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive salaries, followed closely by specialty clinics and community health centers. The variation in medical coder pay in Elgin, IL, can largely be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, certification levels, and the size of the employing organization. To maximize earning potential, coders should consider obtaining specialty credentials and seek positions in larger institutions, where benefits and salary scales tend to be more favorable. Understanding the local employment landscape and taking proactive steps towards professional development can help medical coders successfully navigate their career paths in Elgin.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 $45,962 for medical codersin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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