Medical Coder Salary in Herndon, VA: $36,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Herndon, VA earns a median $36,594/year (≈ $17.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $35,459 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, medical coders in Herndon, VA, can expect a median salary of $36,594, which reflects a notable gap when compared to the national median of $41,861. The local salary range for medical coders is between $29,489 (10th percentile) and $53,079 (90th percentile), highlighting the diversity in compensation within the profession. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living, which is indexed at 103.2, indicating a higher than average expense for residents. Given these figures, those entering the medical coding field in Herndon face a competitive job market, with potential for improved earnings driven by certifications or experience in specialized settings.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,489 | $14.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,893 | $15.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $36,594 | $17.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44,195 | $21.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,079 | $25.52 |
Median Salary Position
12.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,590 (2026 est.). At $36,594, the local median is 12.58% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Herndon Medical Coder Pay Compares
Herndon median: $36,594/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $39,054 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -12.58% less |
Medical Coders in Herndon, VA earn a median of $36,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $39,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $36,594 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $35,459 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$32,631
2025 BLS Actual
$35,764
2026 Current Est.
$36,594
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Herndon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32,631 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,995 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,114 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,443 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $32,631 (2021) to $35,764 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $37,443 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,812 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $29,489 – $32,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,893 – $36,594 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $36,594 – $44,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $44,195 – $53,079 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Herndon
Looking closer at Herndon's job market, only five medical coders are currently employed in the area, underscoring a niche but essential workforce. The cost of living index suggests that while salaries may seem lower than the national average, they must adequately reflect living expenses in the region. The highest paying employers, often large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, typically offer better compensation packages and various benefits. Factors such as shift differentials and credentialing can significantly affect earnings, creating a salary spread that favors those with advanced qualifications. For medical coders in Herndon, pursuing certifications and seeking out larger employers can maximize pay opportunities and enhance overall career prospects in this unique market.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical coders make $100K in Herndon?
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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 $35,764 for medical codersin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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