Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Clearwater, FL: $19.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Clearwater, FL runs $19.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $41,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Clearwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,735 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clearwater, Florida, the medical coder hourly pay stands at a median rate of $19.82, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $20.13. This rate is significant for both part-time coders, who might typically work three days a week, and per-diem professionals who often fill in as needed. The hourly compensation ranges widely in Clearwater, starting from $13.56 for entry-level positions to as much as $30.72 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth in this field. Hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data, reflecting economic trends and the demand for skilled medical coders in local clinical settings.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.56 | $108.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.16 | $129.25 |
| Median (P50) | $19.82 | $158.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.37 | $202.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.72 | $245.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clearwater
Based on $19.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.82/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clearwater, FL can expect to earn approximately $41,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,783. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clearwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clearwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $792.78 | $3,435 | $41,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $475.67 | $2,061 | $24,735 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $317.11 | $1,374 | $16,490 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Clearwater) | $19.82 |
| 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 Clearwater, FL earn a median of $41,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.54% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 11.80% above the Florida state average of $36,867.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.82/hr = $24,735/year (purchasing power: $24,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $41,224/year (purchasing power: $40,897).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$17.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.82/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Clearwater (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $18.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Clearwater grew 9.6% from $17.67/hr (2021) to $19.37/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.28/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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater
Focusing on part-time earnings, a medical coder working 24 hours a week could potentially take home around $24,801 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per-diem opportunities, agency rates tend to offer a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 pay, providing an attractive alternative for flexible work. Compensation varies significantly depending on employer type in Clearwater, with private practices often offering lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that typically command higher wages. Some coders might opt for lower hourly pay to secure benefits like health insurance, a common trade-off in the industry. For those negotiating their pay, understanding local market nuances and knowing the specific rates for different roles can be essential to achieving fair compensation in Clearwater.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Clearwater in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Clearwater?
Are medical coders in Clearwater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Clearwater?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Clearwater?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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