Medical Coder Salary in Lakewood, WA: $47,177 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Lakewood, WA earns a median $47,177/year (≈ $22.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $43,926 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical coders in Lakewood, Washington, earn a median annual salary of $47,177, which is approximately 12.70% higher than the national median of $41,861. The salary range in this city extends from $32,270 at the 10th percentile to $73,124 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale influenced by experience and credentials. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect local estimates adjusted for the area’s cost of living. With an index rating of 107.4, the cost of living in Lakewood is slightly above the national average, emphasizing the need for competitive compensation in this job market.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,270 | $15.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,200 | $19.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,177 | $22.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,386 | $29.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,124 | $35.16 |
Median Salary Position
12.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, WA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,854 (2026 est.). At $47,177, the local median is 12.7% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Medical Coder Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $47,177/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $47,750 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | +12.70% more |
Medical Coders in Lakewood, WA earn a median of $47,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $47,750.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,177 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,926 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$42,068
2025 BLS Actual
$46,107
2026 Current Est.
$47,177
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Lakewood (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,068 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,537 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,979 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,793 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,177 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,271 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $42,068 (2021) to $46,107 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,271 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,203 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $32,270 – $41,200 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,200 – $47,177 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,177 – $60,386 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,386 – $73,124 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Lakewood
As of the latest projection, there are 14 medical coders employed in Lakewood, which suggests a relatively small but stable market for this profession. The slightly elevated cost of living impacts take-home pay, making it essential for professionals to consider employer type when seeking the best medical coder pay in Lakewood, WA. Large healthcare organizations generally offer higher salaries compared to private practices or community health centers, often due to the availability of additional benefits and shift differentials. To maximize pay, coders should focus on obtaining specialty credentials and gaining experience, as these factors significantly contribute to higher earnings potential in the Lakewood area. Seeking positions in larger institutions may also enhance job security and overall compensation packages.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 $46,107 for medical codersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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