Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $21.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Chelmsford, MA runs $21.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,433 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,263 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, the estimated medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $21.85 in 2026, which is higher than the national median of $20.13. This hourly rate provides a viable income for both full-time and part-time medical coders working in various clinical settings, allowing those who choose to work three days a week sufficient earnings to support their livelihoods. For entry-level positions, the pay can start around $16.46 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $33.86 per hour based on their experience and skill set. These figures represent a broad range of earning potential in Chelmsford, showing how the role of medical coders can vary significantly based on individual circumstances and qualifications when calculated based on annual data.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.46 | $131.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.89 | $151.11 |
| Median (P50) | $21.85 | $174.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.66 | $221.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.86 | $270.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $21.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.85/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $45,438 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,214. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $873.81 | $3,787 | $45,438 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $524.29 | $2,272 | $27,263 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.53 | $1,515 | $18,175 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Chelmsford) | $21.85 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $45,433 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.53% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $47,774.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.85/hr = $27,263/year (purchasing power: $25,127).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,438/year (purchasing power: $41,879).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$19.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.85/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Chelmsford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Chelmsford grew 9.6% from $19.48/hr (2021) to $21.35/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.35/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Part-time medical coders in Chelmsford, working a typical three-day week (24 hours), could anticipate an annual take-home amount significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, but it still offers flexibility catering to personal needs. Per diem medical coder pay in Chelmsford often commands a premium of 10-25% over standard staff rates, appealing to those preferring flexibility and variety in their roles. Different employer types significantly influence hourly wages; private practices may offer lower rates while larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics can provide more competitive compensation. Furthermore, some medical coders opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for comprehensive benefits, such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher hourly rates with less job security. For those negotiating pay, it’s crucial to consider both immediate pay and long-term benefits, allowing you to effectively assess your worth within Chelmsford’s healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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