Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Baton Rouge, LA: $18.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Baton Rouge, LA runs $18.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,153 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Baton Rouge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,896 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Baton Rouge, medical coders can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $18.35, which trails the national median hourly rate of $20.13 by approximately 8.86%. This discrepancy highlights the local dynamics of the job market, offering part-time medical coders working three days a week the opportunity to earn an average of $960 weekly, or about $49,920 annually if sustained over time. The hourly wage ranges from $13.87 for early-career professionals to as much as $33.78 for those with extensive experience or specialized credentials. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflect the realities of clinical settings in Baton Rouge where job flexibility can attract both full-time and per-diem medical coders looking for different types of employment engagements.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.87 | $111.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.51 | $124.09 |
| Median (P50) | $18.35 | $146.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.58 | $204.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.78 | $270.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Baton Rouge
Based on $18.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.35/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Baton Rouge, LA can expect to earn approximately $38,160 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,015. With a cost-of-living index of 90.78 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Baton Rouge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Baton Rouge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $733.84 | $3,180 | $38,160 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $440.30 | $1,908 | $22,896 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $293.54 | $1,272 | $15,264 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Baton Rouge) | $18.35 |
| 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 Baton Rouge, LA earn a median of $38,153 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.86% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.60% above the Louisiana state average of $35,458.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.35/hr = $22,896/year (purchasing power: $25,221).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,160/year (purchasing power: $42,035).
CoL index: 90.78 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$18.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.35/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+3.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Baton Rouge (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Baton Rouge grew -1.5% from $18.20/hr (2021) to $17.93/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.77/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 Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge
The earning potential for part-time medical coders in Baton Rouge is significant, with an annual take-home of about $49,920 compared to their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the appeal of flexible schedules. For those considering per diem positions, agency rates often offer a premium of 10-25% over standard rates, enhancing overall compensation. However, hourly rates can differ widely based on the type of employer as well; private practices may pay less than larger healthcare organizations, which may streamline processing and allow for faster reimbursements. Community health centers and specialty clinics may also contribute to this variance. While some coders opt for positions that provide health insurance at the cost of a lower hourly rate, others prefer higher per diem medical coder pay in Baton Rouge sans benefits, trading stability for immediate gains. For effective negotiations, highlighting specialized skills or certifications can significantly influence hourly wage conversations in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Baton Rouge, LA:
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 Baton Rouge. 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