Medical Coder Salary in Lubbock, TX: $36,000 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Lubbock, TX earns a median $36,000/year (≈ $17.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lubbock's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $39,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
For those considering a career as a medical coder in Lubbock, TX, the projected median annual salary stands at $36,000 in 2026. This figure falls notably below the national median of $41,861, indicating a difference in compensation that underscores the varying economic realities across regions. The salary range for medical coders in Lubbock reaches from $23,763 at the 10th percentile to $53,149 at the 90th percentile, suggesting that while entry-level positions may offer lower pay, experienced professionals can earn significantly more. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and reflect a local job market that may offer limited financial incentives compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,763 | $11.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,255 | $14.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,000 | $17.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41,894 | $20.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,149 | $25.56 |
Median Salary Position
14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lubbock
In Lubbock, TX, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,386 (2026 est.). At $36,000, the local median is 14% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lubbock: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lubbock Medical Coder Pay Compares
Lubbock median: $36,000/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lubbock Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $36,923 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -14.00% less |
Medical Coders in Lubbock, TX earn a median of $36,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.00% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 2.50% below the Texas state average of $36,923.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lubbock has a cost of living 8.68% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lubbock, TX has a cost-of-living index of 91.317 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $36,000 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $39,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.51% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,850
2025 BLS Actual
$35,184
2026 Current Est.
$36,000
2021–2027 Growth
+-2.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Lubbock (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,130 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,000 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,835 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lubbock metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -7.0% from $37,850 (2021) to $35,184 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $36,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $-1,015 (-2.68%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lubbock 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) | $23,763 – $29,255 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,255 – $36,000 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,000 – $41,894 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $41,894 – $53,149 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Lubbock
The job market in Lubbock currently employs around 200 medical coders, which provides a steady flow of opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 91.317, living in Lubbock offers a more affordable lifestyle than many other regions, translating to better purchasing power for local salaries. Among the employers, large healthcare organizations typically provide the highest pay, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the size of the employer can create a noticeable pay gap within this field. To maximize earnings, coders in Lubbock should consider obtaining additional certifications, pursuing roles in higher-paying healthcare settings, and gaining experience in in-demand specialties, which can considerably enhance their marketability and compensation.
More salary data for Lubbock, TX:
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 $35,184 for medical codersin the Lubbock 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