Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $22.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Watertown, MA runs $22.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,176 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $20.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $22.68 in 2026, a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $20.13. This local rate provides advantageous opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within various clinical settings, making it a favorable option for those seeking flexible schedules. For workers committed to only three days a week, the appealing hourly rate allows a decent income while balancing personal and professional lives. Those starting their careers can expect to earn around $16.72 per hour, while top earners within the profession can command rates as high as $34.07. The salary range illustrates the potential for growth and advancement, based on the estimated hourly values derived from annual salary data.
About the Watertown 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) | $16.72 | $133.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.15 | $161.17 |
| Median (P50) | $22.68 | $181.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.90 | $223.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.07 | $272.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $22.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.68/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $47,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,221. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $907.37 | $3,932 | $47,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $544.42 | $2,359 | $28,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.95 | $1,573 | $18,873 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Watertown) | $22.68 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $47,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $47,797.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.68/hr = $28,310/year (purchasing power: $26,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,183/year (purchasing power: $43,487).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$20.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.68/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Watertown grew 9.6% from $20.23/hr (2021) to $22.17/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.21/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
In analyzing the potential earnings, a medical coder working part-time for 24 hours a week can expect to bring home a more than respectable income over the course of the year when compared to full-time roles. Per diem medical coders in Watertown may enjoy pay premiums of 10-25% over typical staff rates, making this employment type increasingly appealing for those prioritizing flexibility. Hourly wages can differ significantly depending on the type of employer, such as private practices, large healthcare institutions, or specialty clinics. While some coders may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without added perks. Negotiation can be key for hourly employees; knowing the prevailing rates in Watertown allows for informed discussions with potential employers, ensuring that professionals can secure competitive rates suited to their expertise.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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