Medical Coder Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $36,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $36,871/year (≈ $17.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $33,734 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $36,871 in 2026, the medical coder salary in Gaithersburg, Maryland, falls below the national median of $41,861, reflecting a difference of nearly 12%. Salary estimates in this region indicate a wide range from $26,367 at the 10th percentile to as much as $57,000 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, accounting for local economic conditions, including cost-of-living adjustments. This discrepancy underlines the competitive nature of the local job market for medical coding professionals, suggesting a careful consideration of employer types and their respective pay scales.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,367 | $12.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,847 | $14.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,871 | $17.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,913 | $22.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,000 | $27.40 |
Median Salary Position
11.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,633 (2026 est.). At $36,871, the local median is 11.92% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg Medical Coder Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $36,871/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $36,615 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | -11.92% less |
Medical Coders in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $36,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.92% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $36,615.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $36,871 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $33,734 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,878
2025 BLS Actual
$36,035
2026 Current Est.
$36,871
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Gaithersburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,878 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,372 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,857 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,035 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,726 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $32,878 (2021) to $36,035 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,848 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $26,367 – $30,847 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,847 – $36,871 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,871 – $46,913 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,913 – $57,000 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, the employment of about 14 medical coders illustrates a relatively small, yet specific job market. The cost-of-living index of 109.3 indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for coders may feel squeezed in this area. Larger healthcare organizations tend to offer better compensation compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, required specialty credentials, and the overall size of the employer contribute significantly to the variations in medical coder pay in Gaithersburg, MD. Coders aiming to maximize their earning potential should consider obtaining certifications in high-demand specialties and seek employment in larger institutions where salaries are typically higher, ultimately leading to a more favorable financial outcome.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
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 $36,035 for medical codersin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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