Medical Coder Hourly Pay in San Francisco, CA: $29.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in San Francisco, CA runs $29.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,901 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against San Francisco's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.6, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,546 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Francisco, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach $29.28 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $20.13. This elevated pay scale not only reflects the higher cost of living in the Bay Area but also makes part-time positions, typically requiring three days a week, quite attractive for those seeking flexible work arrangements. For part-time medical coders working around 24 hours a week, this translates to competitive weekly earnings that can significantly enhance the household income. Entry-level coders may earn as little as $19.49 per hour, while those with extensive experience can command rates up to $42.30 an hour, creating a diverse range that accommodates new entrants and seasoned professionals within this clinical field. This data is derived from BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.49 | $155.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.78 | $182.21 |
| Median (P50) | $29.28 | $234.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.15 | $273.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.30 | $338.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Francisco
Based on $29.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.28/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Francisco, CA can expect to earn approximately $60,911 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,141. With a cost-of-living index of 115.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Francisco.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Francisco
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.36 | $5,076 | $60,911 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.82 | $3,046 | $36,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.54 | $2,030 | $24,364 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (San Francisco) | $29.28 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA earn a median of $60,901 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.48% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 25.90% above the California state average of $48,372.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.28/hr = $36,546/year (purchasing power: $31,611).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,911/year (purchasing power: $52,685).
CoL index: 115.613 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.28/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+1.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in San Francisco (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in San Francisco grew -3.1% from $29.55/hr (2021) to $28.62/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.96/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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
Exploring the realities of part-time work, a medical coder on a three-day schedule could expect to take home approximately $43,590 annually, a sum that may not rival full-time salaries but still provides significant income for those balancing other commitments. For per diem positions, which often pay a premium of 10-25% above regular staff rates, the potential earnings can be even more appealing, especially in the competitive San Francisco market. Different types of employers, such as private practices and large healthcare organizations, can offer varied hourly rates; specialty clinics may appeal to coders seeking specialized environments. Medical coders often face a trade-off between higher hourly wages without benefits and potentially lower wages with health insurance. Negotiation tips for hourly workers include emphasizing relevant experience and certifications, which can lead to better pay or additional perks in a tight job market.
More salary data for San Francisco, 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 San Francisco. 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