Medical Coder Salary in Baltimore, MD: $48,614 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Baltimore, MD earns a median $48,614/year (≈ $23.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $46,526 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 32.8% above the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a 2026 median annual salary of $48,614, the medical coder salary in Baltimore significantly surpasses the national median of $41,861, offering a competitive edge for professionals in the area. The salary ranges from $28,977 at the 10th percentile to $71,247 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variation in compensation based on experience and work environment. These insights, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight the positive purchasing power for medical coders in Baltimore when accounting for the city's cost-of-living index of 104.487. Overall, the job market for medical coders in this region indicates strong demand, offering substantial opportunities for both entry-level and experienced coders.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,977 | $13.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,744 | $18.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,614 | $23.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,369 | $26.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,247 | $34.26 |
Median Salary Position
16.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,270 (2026 est.). At $48,614, the local median is 16.13% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baltimore Medical Coder Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $48,614/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $36,607 | +32.80% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +16.13% more |
Medical Coders in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $48,614 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.13% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 32.80% above the Maryland state average of $36,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $48,614 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $46,526 — a 4.3% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$47,950
2025 BLS Actual
$47,512
2026 Current Est.
$48,614
2021–2027 Growth
+3.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Baltimore (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,540 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,614 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,742 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -0.9% from $47,950 (2021) to $47,512 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $49,742 by 2027 — a total increase of $1,792 (3.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $28,977 – $37,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,744 – $48,614 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,614 – $54,369 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,369 – $71,247 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Baltimore
In Baltimore, over 1,360 medical coders are employed, reflecting a robust local job market. The cost of living, while slightly above the national average, impacts take-home pay, meaning that even competitive salaries must be weighed against everyday expenses. The highest-paying employers in the area often include large healthcare organizations, specialty clinics, and well-funded community health centers, where the scale of operations allows for better compensation structures and comprehensive benefits. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the overall size of the employer. To maximize pay in this specific Baltimore market, coders should consider enhancing qualifications through certifications, seeking positions in high-demand facilities, and leveraging negotiation skills during hiring discussions to achieve optimal compensation.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Baltimore, MD in 2026?
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Can medical coders make $100K in Baltimore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Baltimore?
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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 $47,512 for medical codersin the Baltimore 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
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