Medical Coder Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $18.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in New Orleans, LA runs $18.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,049 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $18.47 in 2026, falling below the national median of $20.13. This rate offers a solid income for both full-time and part-time workers, particularly those in clinical settings who may work three days a week. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay starts at $14.27, while experienced coders can earn up to $30.34, reflecting a significant earning potential across different experience levels. Such figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates, suggest that a versatile market exists for medical coders in the city.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $14.27 | $114.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14.58 | $116.64 |
| Median (P50) | $18.47 | $147.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.64 | $197.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.34 | $242.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $18.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.47/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $38,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,163. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $738.75 | $3,201 | $38,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $443.25 | $1,921 | $23,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $295.50 | $1,281 | $15,366 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (New Orleans) | $18.47 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $38,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.23% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 8.40% above the Louisiana state average of $35,438.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.47/hr = $23,049/year (purchasing power: $24,892).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,415/year (purchasing power: $41,486).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$18.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.47/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-15.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in New Orleans (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in New Orleans grew -19.5% from $22.42/hr (2021) to $18.05/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.90/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
For those considering part-time work, a medical coder operating on a three-day work week (totaling 24 hours) could take home about $22,000 annually, much lower than a full-time coder, but with flexibility in scheduling. On the other hand, per diem medical coder pay in New Orleans may present more enticing options, offering rates that can exceed established pay scales due to demand fluctuation. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer type; private practices may offer lower compensation compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Coders often face the choice between accepting higher hourly pay without benefits at agencies versus stable positions that may provide health coverage. For those looking to negotiate, being clear on your worth and understanding the dynamics of the local market can facilitate securing better rates or benefits.
More salary data for New Orleans, 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 New Orleans. 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