Medical Coder Salary in Cary, NC: $44,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Cary, NC earns a median $44,269/year (≈ $21.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $47,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $44,269 for medical coders in Cary, North Carolina, professionals in this field enjoy better compensation than the national average of $41,861. This local salary sits above many benchmarks, reflecting the regional demand and cost of living factors that influence earning potential. The salary range for medical coders in Cary spans from $32,920 at the lower end to $68,617 at the high end, showcasing the range of opportunities available. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, showcase a market that values skill and experience, indicating a favorable environment for those considering a career in medical coding within this town.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,920 | $15.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,141 | $18.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,269 | $21.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,658 | $26.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,617 | $32.99 |
Median Salary Position
5.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,697 (2026 est.). At $44,269, the local median is 5.75% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Medical Coder Pay Compares
Cary median: $44,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $38,764 | +14.20% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +5.75% more |
Medical Coders in Cary, NC earn a median of $44,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.75% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 14.20% above the North Carolina state average of $38,764.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $44,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$39,475
2025 BLS Actual
$43,265
2026 Current Est.
$44,269
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Cary (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,915 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,268 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,280 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,296 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $39,475 (2021) to $43,265 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,296 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,821 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $32,920 – $38,141 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,141 – $44,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,269 – $55,658 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,658 – $68,617 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Cary
In Cary, the job market supports around 44 medical coders, suggesting a solid demand for these professionals in the area. The cost-of-living index of 93.6 indicates that while compensation is strong, living expenses are conducive to a comfortable lifestyle. Among employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest pay rates, attributed to their need for more qualified coders and the complexity of the services they provide. Salary disparities within Cary are influenced by factors such as shift differentials, advanced certifications, and the overall benefits package offered by employers. To maximize earnings, medical coders should focus on obtaining specialty certifications, staying updated on coding guidelines, and considering roles in larger healthcare settings, which may provide enhanced compensation and career advancement opportunities.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Cary, NC in 2026?
Is Cary, NC a good place to work as a medical coder?
Can medical coders make $100K in Cary?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Cary?
How much does a medical coder make per hour in Cary?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 $43,265 for medical codersin the Cary 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 Cary 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