Medical Coder Salary in Aiken, SC: $43,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Aiken, SC earns a median $43,052/year (≈ $20.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $47,051 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aiken, South Carolina, the projected median annual salary for medical coders in 2026 is $43,052, which reflects a slight increase of 2.85% compared to the national median of $41,861. Local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data, indicate that salaries can vary widely; the range extends from $32,080 at the lower end (10th percentile) to a high of $66,591 (90th percentile). With only four medical coders currently employed in the area, this figure suggests a relatively low market saturation that could present unique opportunities for those entering the field or seeking advancement in Aiken's healthcare sector.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,080 | $15.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,824 | $17.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,052 | $20.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,128 | $26.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,591 | $32.02 |
Median Salary Position
2.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,511 (2026 est.). At $43,052, the local median is 2.85% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aiken Medical Coder Pay Compares
Aiken median: $43,052/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $43,399 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | +2.85% more |
Medical Coders in Aiken, SC earn a median of $43,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $43,399.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $43,052 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,051 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$38,390
2025 BLS Actual
$42,076
2026 Current Est.
$43,052
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Aiken (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,818 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,108 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,051 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $38,390 (2021) to $42,076 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $44,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,661 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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) | $32,080 – $36,824 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,824 – $43,052 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,052 – $54,128 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,128 – $66,591 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Aiken
While the job market in Aiken is modest, the relatively low cost of living, indicated by a cost-of-living index of 91.5, may enhance the purchasing power of medical coder pay in Aiken, SC. Major employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer more competitive salaries compared to private practices and community health centers. This variance in compensation often stems from factors like the size of the employer, specific credentialing requirements, and available benefits. To maximize earnings potential, medical coders should consider obtaining specialty certifications and negotiating their pay based on shifts or hours worked. Understanding local employer trends can also guide informed career decisions about where to pursue opportunities for higher compensation in the Aiken area.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
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 $42,076 for medical codersin the Aiken 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 Aiken 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