Medical Coder Salary in Wheeling, WV: $38,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Wheeling, WV earns a median $38,399/year (≈ $18.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Wheeling's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $43,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the West Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wheeling, West Virginia, the medical coder salary is projected at a median annual amount of $38,399 for 2026, suggesting a cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power that may feel modest compared to the national median of $41,861. This city exhibits a salary range for medical coders, spanning from $25,154 at the 10th percentile to $53,698 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy potential for earnings based on individual skills and experience. These figures are derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and reflect the local realities of a job market that, while stable, offers varying levels of compensation. With a total of 60 medical coders employed in the area, the job market in Wheeling presents opportunities for professionals navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,154 | $12.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29,673 | $14.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,399 | $18.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,838 | $22.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53,698 | $25.82 |
Median Salary Position
8.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheeling
In Wheeling, WV, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,544 (2026 est.). At $38,399, the local median is 8.27% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheeling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheeling Medical Coder Pay Compares
Wheeling median: $38,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheeling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $41,861 | -8.27% less |
Medical Coders in Wheeling, WV earn a median of $38,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.27% lower than the national median of $41,861.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheeling has a cost of living 11.68% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheeling, WV has a cost-of-living index of 88.323 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $38,399 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $43,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.22% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,380
2025 BLS Actual
$37,528
2026 Current Est.
$38,399
2021–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Wheeling (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,289 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheeling metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 6.1% from $35,380 (2021) to $37,528 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,289 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,909 (11.05%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheeling 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) | $25,154 – $29,673 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $29,673 – $38,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,399 – $46,838 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,838 – $53,698 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Wheeling
Analyzing the local job market, Wheeling's medical coder pay can vary significantly based on employer type, with large healthcare organizations typically offering higher salaries compared to private practices or community health centers. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 88.323, slightly below the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of earnings in this city. Employers often factor in shift differentials and specialty credentials to determine pay, contributing to the disparity between the lower and upper wage ranges. For those seeking to maximize their compensation, pursuing additional certifications and seeking positions within larger institutions can be effective strategies. Additionally, keeping abreast of industry trends and networking within local healthcare communities can lead to better job opportunities and salary advancements in Wheeling, WV.
More salary data for Wheeling, WV:
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 $37,528 for medical codersin the Wheeling 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