Medical Coder Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $40,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $40,178/year (≈ $19.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $42,925 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, the median annual medical coder salary stands at $40,178 for 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $41,861. The projected earnings for those in this profession range from a lower threshold of $26,674 to a higher end of $62,276. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional factors, indicate a pressing need for medical coders in the area. The relatively competitive salary is also reflected in the local workforce, with 59 medical coders currently employed, showcasing a stable job market for this essential role in healthcare administration.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,674 | $12.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,274 | $15.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $40,178 | $19.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,428 | $24.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,276 | $29.94 |
Median Salary Position
4.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,602 (2026 est.). At $40,178, the local median is 4.02% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Medical Coder Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $40,178/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $38,782 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | -4.02% less |
Medical Coders in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $40,178 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $38,782.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $40,178 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,925 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,827
2025 BLS Actual
$39,267
2026 Current Est.
$40,178
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Winston-Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,226 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,455 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,110 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $35,827 (2021) to $39,267 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $41,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,283 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $26,674 – $32,274 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,274 – $40,178 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $40,178 – $51,428 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,428 – $62,276 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Winston-Salem
Analyzing the local job market dynamics gives further insight into medical coder pay in Winston-Salem, NC. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, the purchasing power for medical coders is relatively favorable, which could lead to comfortable living conditions despite the modest salary figures. Among the various types of employers in the area, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most competitive salaries, especially when compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized certifications, and the size of the employer play significant roles in determining pay variation, allowing for a spread in compensation. To optimize earnings in Winston-Salem, medical coders should consider pursuing relevant specialty certifications and seeking opportunities with larger healthcare institutions, as these can substantially enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
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Can medical coders make $100K in Winston-Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical coder salary in Winston-Salem?
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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 $39,267 for medical codersin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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