Medical Coder Salary in Charleston, SC: $50,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Charleston, SC earns a median $50,710/year (≈ $24.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Charleston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $50,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 16.8% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the medical coder salary is positioned notably higher than the national average, with a median annual income of $50,710 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This figure reflects the competitive nature of the job market, where the salary range varies from $31,302 at the 10th percentile to $56,767 at the 90th percentile. With approximately 460 medical coders currently employed in the area, Charleston's market indicates a healthy saturation level that suggests strong demand for qualified professionals. Compared to the national median of $41,861, local compensation offerings stand out, attracting individuals seeking careers in medical coding to this vibrant coastal city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,302 | $15.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,708 | $19.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,710 | $24.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,987 | $25.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,767 | $27.29 |
Median Salary Position
21.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charleston
In Charleston, SC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $25,465 (2026 est.). At $50,710, the local median is 21.14% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charleston: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Charleston Medical Coder Pay Compares
Charleston median: $50,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $43,416 | +16.80% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +21.14% more |
Medical Coders in Charleston, SC earn a median of $50,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.14% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 16.80% above the South Carolina state average of $43,416.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charleston has a cost of living 0.96% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 100.962 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,710 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $50,227 — a 0.95% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$46,640
2025 BLS Actual
$49,560
2026 Current Est.
$50,710
2021–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,900 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,560 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,886 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charleston metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 6.3% from $46,640 (2021) to $49,560 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,886 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,246 (11.25%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston 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) | $31,302 – $39,708 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,708 – $50,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,710 – $51,987 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,987 – $56,767 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Charleston
The local job market for medical coders is underscored by low competition among the 460 professionals currently working in Charleston. However, the cost of living, which has a notable index of 100.962, means that take-home pay needs to be scrutinized in the context of local expenses. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the highest medical coder pay in Charleston SC, reflecting a trend where employer size significantly influences salary structures. Factors contributing to the spread between low and high wages include shift differentials, specialization credentials, and benefits packages offered by different employers. To maximize earning potential, aspiring coders should consider seeking additional certifications, actively exploring various employer types, and even negotiating salary packages to align with their professional experience and expertise. Understanding how much do medical coders make in Charleston can help frame practical decisions around career advancement and financial stability.
More salary data for Charleston, 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 $49,560 for medical codersin the Charleston 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