Medical Coder Pay

Senior Medical Coder Salary in Augusta, GA: $61,687 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Augusta, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $61,687/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $67,122 in average-cost America. The 40% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$61,687
Top 10% Earn
$29.65/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$53,346
75th Percentile
$61,687
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Coder Senior Salary in Augusta, GA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Augusta, GA medical coder senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Senior medical coders in Augusta, Georgia, have the potential to command a top medical coder salary of $61,687 in 2026, which positions them competitively against their peers nationally. Compared to the national top earners, Augusta's P90 reflects a notable advantage, given that the median annual salary for experienced medical coders is $44,063, demonstrating a significant pay gap for those who ascend to senior-level positions. Achieving this level of compensation requires a combination of advanced certification, extensive experience in the field—typically exceeding seven years—and often specialization in complex coding systems or procedures that are in high demand.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Augusta. The median salary is $44,063, compared to the national median of $41,861.$27.2K$36.6K$46.0K$55.4K$64.8K$30.2K10th Pctl$35.7K25th Pctl$44.1KMedian$53.3K75th Pctl$61.7K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $53,346 and $61,687 per year (2026 est.). This $31,449 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $44,063 sits 5.26% above the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Augusta metro area.

Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison

LevelAugustaNational
Median (P50)$44,063$41,861
75th Percentile$53,346$53,059
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$61,687$66,426

In Augusta, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 40.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Augusta

1

Advanced Certifications in Georgia

GA medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $44,063 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $53,346–$61,687 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical coders in Augusta with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Coders in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.

Medical Coder Career & Wage Growth Path in Augusta

Clinical Medical Coder

0-5 years
$30,238 – $44,063

Senior/Lead Medical Coder

5-10 years
$44,063 – $53,346

Medical Coder Department Manager

10+ years
$53,346+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Augusta ranks #7 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $61,687).

Top 10% medical coder compensation in Augusta ($61,687) is 8.49% below the Georgia average P90 ($67,408).

2021 BLS Actual

$74,080

2025 BLS Actual

$60,288

2026 Current Est.

$61,687

2021–2027 Growth

+-14.8%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Augusta (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Augusta. Baseline $74,080 in 2025, projected to $63,118 by 2027.$57.5K$62.4K$67.2K$72.0K$76.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$74.1K$63.3K$64.7K$65.2K$60.3K$61.7K$63.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$74,080Actual
2022$63,320Actual
2023$64,730Actual
2024$65,150Actual
2025$60,288Actual
2026(current)$61,687Estimated
2027$63,118Projected

Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow -18.6% from $74,080 in 2021 to $60,288 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $63,118 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Augusta

In Augusta, specialized areas such as cardiology and anesthesiology tend to offer higher compensation, allowing senior medical coders to maximize their earnings. Additionally, compensation can vary greatly depending on the type of employer; larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often provide more competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits compared to smaller private practices and community health centers. For those looking to elevate their careers further, pathways into leadership roles, such as clinical coordinator or department director, are attainable with the right credentials. Pursuing advanced certifications, like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), enhances earning potential and may qualify professionals for more challenging roles. Moreover, non-salary compensation elements, including shift differentials and perks associated with employer size, play a pivotal role in overall remuneration in the senior medical coder market in GA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical coders make in Augusta in 2026?

Top-earning medical coders in Augusta (90th percentile) make $61,687/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $17,624 more than the area median of $44,063 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical coders typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical coder pay in Augusta?

Higher medical coder pay in Augusta is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical coder salary in Augusta?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical coders in Augusta include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $44,063, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Augusta?

The 90th percentile in Augusta is $61,687. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Augusta?

In Augusta, the gap between entry level ($30,238) and top earners ($61,687) is $31,449, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Georgia

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

Methodology & Data Source

Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $60,288 for medical coders in the Augusta metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.

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

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