Medical Coder Pay

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.

$61,515
Median Annual Salary
$29.57/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,857
Entry Level (P10)
$87,185
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Coder Hourly Rate in Sacramento, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Sacramento, CA medical coder hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a medical coder in Sacramento earning $29.57/hr would make approximately $35,485 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $61,507 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$35,485Reduced (32 hr/wk)$47,313Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$61,507

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$236.56
per 8hr shift
$1,182.82
per week
$5,126
per month
$61,507
per year

Schedule Comparison in Sacramento

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing medical coder median salary in Sacramento ($61,515) with California average ($48,399) and the US national median ($41,861).Sacramento$61,515California Avg$48,399+27.10%US National$41,861+46.95%

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 (20212027)

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

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for medical coders in Sacramento. Baseline $29.07/hr in 2025, projected to $30.26/hr by 2027.$27$30$33$35$3820212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.07$30.47$30.97$36.16$28.90$29.57$30.26
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$29.07/hrActual
2022$30.47/hrActual
2023$30.97/hrActual
2024$36.16/hrActual
2025$28.90/hrActual
2026(current)$29.57/hrEstimated
2027$30.26/hrProjected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sacramento 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Sacramento in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical coders in Sacramento is $29.57/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $18.68 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.92 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 47.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time medical coders make in Sacramento?

A part-time medical coder working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Sacramento earns approximately $3,075/month, or $36,904/year at the median hourly rate of $29.57. Many medical coders prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are medical coders in Sacramento paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical coders in Sacramento are paid hourly at a median rate of $29.57/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $61,507/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Sacramento?

A full-time medical coder working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Sacramento earns approximately $61,507/year at the median hourly rate of $29.57. This is 47.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $87,195/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Sacramento?

Part-time and per diem medical coders in Sacramento sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.92/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in California

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

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

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