Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $18.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Fargo, ND runs $18.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $20.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,730 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, medical coders can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $18.21, which falls below the national median of $20.13. This rate is particularly relevant for part-time and per-diem medical coders operating in clinical settings, where flexible schedules are common. With an hourly range from $15.57 for entry-level positions to $31.38 for top earners, professionals in this field can navigate various employment opportunities, adjusting their schedules to meet personal or financial goals. The numbers reported here stem from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, providing a reliable benchmark for those considering a career in medical coding within this market.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.57 | $124.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.11 | $136.86 |
| Median (P50) | $18.21 | $145.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $24.62 | $196.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.38 | $251.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $18.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.21/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $37,883 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,856. With a cost-of-living index of 90.87 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $728.52 | $3,157 | $37,883 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $437.11 | $1,894 | $22,730 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $291.41 | $1,263 | $15,153 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Fargo) | $18.21 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $37,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.50% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 23.00% above the North Dakota state average of $30,799.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.21/hr = $22,730/year (purchasing power: $25,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,883/year (purchasing power: $41,689).
CoL index: 90.871 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.21/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-16.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Fargo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Fargo grew -20.4% from $22.37/hr (2021) to $17.80/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.64/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
When examining the potential for earnings, part-time medical coders working three days a week can expect a significantly different annual take-home compared to their full-time counterparts. For instance, working 24 hours a week at the hourly rate in Fargo translates to a steady income, although it often lacks the benefits associated with full-time positions. For those pursuing per-diem assignments, compensation typically runs a 10-25% premium over standard staff wages, making this an attractive option for many. The hourly rates can vary greatly depending on the employer type, with private practices potentially offering less than larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that can pay more. Those in Fargo should weigh the benefits and compensation carefully since some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance. A savvy approach includes understanding the local market rates and sharpening negotiation skills, which can greatly influence pay in this competitive field.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
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 Fargo. 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