Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Sacramento, CA: $29.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Sacramento, CA runs $29.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,515 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Sacramento's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.7, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,904 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Medical coders in Sacramento, California, earn a median hourly rate of $29.57, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $20.13. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the wages provide a solid income, allowing for a reasonable standard of living in one of California's larger cities. The hourly pay scale ranges from about $18.68 for entry-level positions to $41.92 for experienced coders in specialized environments. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, indicates a thriving market for medical coders in Sacramento, where the cost of living, though above average, is complemented by comparatively favorable wages in this profession.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.68 | $149.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.24 | $177.95 |
| Median (P50) | $29.57 | $236.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.87 | $278.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.92 | $335.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sacramento
Based on $29.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.57/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sacramento, CA can expect to earn approximately $61,507 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,485. With a cost-of-living index of 106.67 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sacramento.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sacramento
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,182.82 | $5,126 | $61,507 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $709.69 | $3,075 | $36,904 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.13 | $2,050 | $24,603 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Sacramento) | $29.57 |
| 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 Sacramento, CA earn a median of $61,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.95% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 27.10% above the California state average of $48,399.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.57/hr = $36,904/year (purchasing power: $34,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,507/year (purchasing power: $57,661).
CoL index: 106.67 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.57/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+4.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Sacramento (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Sacramento grew -0.6% from $29.07/hr (2021) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.26/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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento
Exploring part-time earning potential, a medical coder working three days a week, roughly totaling 24 hours, could bring in a substantial income compared to their full-time counterparts. For per-diem medical coders, benefits may come at a premium; these professionals often see their rates at 10-25% above the typical staff pay, which can present a lucrative option depending on the employer type. In Sacramento, the variability in pay is also tied to the nature of the workplace—private practices versus larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics can pay differently. Many coders might choose a slightly lower hourly rate for full-time positions offering health insurance benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility and higher pay of per-diem work. For those entering negotiations, being aware of the local market's compensation trends is vital for making informed decisions about pay structures and potential contracts.
More salary data for Sacramento, 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 Sacramento. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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