Medical Coder Hourly Pay in West Fargo, ND: $14.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in West Fargo, ND runs $14.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $30,280 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against West Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $15.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $18,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Fargo, North Dakota, the projected median medical coder hourly pay in 2026 is $14.56, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $20.13. This disparity suggests that medical coders in the area may have to consider alternative work arrangements, such as part-time positions or per-diem roles, which typically offer different pay structures. For example, a part-time medical coder working three days a week could anticipate earnings that align with this median, whereas entry-level coders would begin at about $10.61, while the highest earners in the field can reach up to $22.56 per hour. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, reflect the realities of the job market in West Fargo, where just a small number of medical coders are currently employed.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $10.61 | $84.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $12.29 | $98.31 |
| Median (P50) | $14.56 | $116.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $17.83 | $142.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $22.56 | $180.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Fargo
Based on $14.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $14.56/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $30,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $17,472. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $582.41 | $2,524 | $30,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $349.44 | $1,514 | $18,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $232.96 | $1,010 | $12,114 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (West Fargo) | $14.56 |
| 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 West Fargo, ND earn a median of $30,280 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.67% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $30,803.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $14.56/hr = $18,171/year (purchasing power: $19,751).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $30,285/year (purchasing power: $32,919).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$12.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$14.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$14.56/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in West Fargo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $13.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $13.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $14.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in West Fargo grew 9.6% from $12.98/hr (2021) to $14.23/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $14.90/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 West 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 West Fargo
Many factors impact the take-home pay of medical coders in West Fargo, particularly for those considering part-time work. A medical coder working 24 hours a week at the median rate could expect to earn approximately $18,177 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who earn more substantially. For per-diem opportunities, compensation tends to run a 10-25% premium over standard staff hourly rates, which may appeal to some coders looking for flexible schedules. Differences in pay also arise depending on employer types, such as private practices versus larger healthcare organizations, with community health centers and specialty clinics often offering their own unique pay scales. Coders may accept lower hourly payments in exchange for benefits like health insurance, or they might prefer higher rates without benefits, which highlights the importance of understanding one’s priorities during negotiations. In the current market, wise negotiation tactics can significantly influence overall compensation, making it essential for coders in West Fargo to assess their options carefully.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in West Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in West Fargo?
Are medical coders in West Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in West Fargo?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in West Fargo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 West 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
Salary data for West Fargo 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