Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Alameda, CA: $22.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Alameda, CA runs $22.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Alameda's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,195 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Alameda, California, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach $22.59 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $20.13. This attractive rate reflects the competitive compensation that local medical coders can expect, especially beneficial for those seeking part-time positions, such as those working three days a week in clinical environments. With an hourly range spanning from $16.65 at the entry-level (P10) to $35.01 for top earners (P90), aspirants in this field can find opportunities that align with varying levels of experience and education. Understanding these figures helps prospective medical coders in Alameda anticipate the financial rewards of their profession, whether they are operating as full-time employees or considering per-diem roles.
About the Alameda Market
Salary estimated from California average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.65 | $133.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.27 | $154.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.59 | $180.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.92 | $231.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.01 | $280.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alameda
Based on $22.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.59/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alameda, CA can expect to earn approximately $46,992 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,111. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alameda.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alameda
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $903.69 | $3,916 | $46,992 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $542.21 | $2,350 | $28,195 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $361.48 | $1,566 | $18,797 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Alameda) | $22.59 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.77 |
| Medical Secretary (National Avg) | $20.19 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Billing and Posting Clerk (National Avg) | $21.86 |
Medical Coders in Alameda, CA earn a median of $46,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.25% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 2.90% below the California state average of $48,395.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.59/hr = $28,195/year (purchasing power: $24,929).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,992/year (purchasing power: $41,549).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Alameda (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Alameda grew 9.6% from $20.15/hr (2021) to $22.08/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.12/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alameda 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.
Working as an Hourly Medical Coder in Alameda
When examining part-time earning potential for medical coders who work 24 hours a week, it’s imperative to highlight the substantial difference compared to full-time positions. For instance, while a full-time medical coder could bring home an annual wage reflective of the median hourly pay, a part-time coder’s income will naturally scale down based on their work hours. Additionally, per diem medical coders in Alameda often enjoy a pay premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates, making this model an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. The varying hourly rates across different employer types—such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics—also play a significant role in potential earnings. Those choices often involve a trade-off between higher pay in roles without benefits and positions with robust health insurance packages. A strategic approach to negotiations can enhance a coder’s hourly compensation, particularly in a market where documented skills and specialty experience are increasingly sought after.
More salary data for Alameda, CA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for medical coders in Alameda. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alameda 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