Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $12.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Columbus, MS runs $12.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $26,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $15.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $16,192 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the projected medical coder hourly pay for 2026 stands at $12.97, significantly below the national median of $20.13. This discrepancy marks a notable difference for professionals in the area, especially for part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem roles. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week results in earnings that may struggle to match the needs of many workers in the healthcare field. The hourly compensation varies widely; entry-level coders might see rates around $9.50, while top earners can make as much as $18.88 per hour. Such figures suggest that while the potential for upward movement exists, many medical coders in Columbus face financial challenges when compared to their counterparts elsewhere in the U.S.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.50 | $75.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $11.73 | $93.81 |
| Median (P50) | $12.97 | $103.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $15.75 | $125.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $18.88 | $151.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $12.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $12.97/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $26,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $15,569. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $518.97 | $2,249 | $26,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $311.38 | $1,349 | $16,192 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $207.59 | $900 | $10,795 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Columbus) | $12.97 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $26,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.53% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $28,711.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $12.97/hr = $16,192/year (purchasing power: $18,894).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $26,986/year (purchasing power: $31,489).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$11.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$12.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$12.97/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Columbus (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $11.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $12.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $14.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $12.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Columbus grew 9.6% from $11.57/hr (2021) to $12.68/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $13.28/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
In terms of annual income, a medical coder working 24 hours per week would earn considerably less than one working full-time in Columbus. For those considering per-diem positions, it’s common for agency pay to exceed staff rates by 10-25%, providing a tempting alternative for flexible workers but potentially lacking the stability of regular employment. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; those working for larger healthcare organizations or specialized clinics might find more competitive rates compared to positions in private practices or community health centers. The balance between choosing higher hourly wages and access to benefits such as health insurance can be a challenging decision for medical coders. For those negotiating their pay, it's beneficial to leverage local salary data while emphasizing relevant certifications or experiences that can elevate their value in the job market.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Columbus in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Columbus?
Are medical coders in Columbus paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Columbus?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Columbus?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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