Medical Coder Salary in Fayetteville, NC: $42,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Fayetteville, NC earns a median $42,213/year (≈ $20.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $45,895 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, North Carolina, the projected median annual salary for medical coders in 2026 is $42,213, which exceeds the national median of $41,861 by a margin. The salary range for this profession spans from $29,886 at the 10th percentile to $66,156 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market where experience and qualifications significantly impact earnings. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicate a growing demand for this skill set in Fayetteville's healthcare sector. As employers seek skilled professionals to manage medical coding intricacies, opportunities for career advancement may arise, especially for those with specialized training or credentials.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,886 | $14.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,407 | $15.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,213 | $20.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,670 | $26.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,156 | $31.80 |
Median Salary Position
0.84% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, NC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,270 (2026 est.). At $42,213, the local median is 0.84% above the national median of $41,861.
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At 40 hours/week in Fayetteville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fayetteville Medical Coder Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $42,213/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $38,763 | +8.90% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +0.84% more |
Medical Coders in Fayetteville, NC earn a median of $42,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.84% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 8.90% above the North Carolina state average of $38,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.02% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, NC has a cost-of-living index of 91.978 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $42,213 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $45,895 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.72% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$46,460
2025 BLS Actual
$41,256
2026 Current Est.
$42,213
2021–2027 Growth
+-7.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Fayetteville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,192 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -11.2% from $46,460 (2021) to $41,256 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,192 by 2027 — a total increase of $-3,268 (-7.03%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $29,886 – $32,407 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,407 – $42,213 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,213 – $55,670 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,670 – $66,156 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Fayetteville
With approximately 280 medical coders currently working in Fayetteville, the local job market is stable, but the cost of living index at 91.978 indicates that housing and other expenses remain below the national average. This economic backdrop enhances the take-home purchasing power for professionals in this field. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer higher salaries compared to private practices and community health centers, though specialty clinics can also provide competitive compensation, particularly for coders with specific expertise or certifications. Factors contributing to salary discrepancies include shift differentials, employer size, and benefits packages. To maximize medical coder pay in Fayetteville, focusing on obtaining advanced credentials, gaining experience in high-paying settings, and being adaptable to employer needs can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Fayetteville, NC:
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 $41,256 for medical codersin the Fayetteville 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