Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Philadelphia, PA: $19.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Philadelphia, PA runs $19.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $40,682 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Philadelphia's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $19.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $24,403 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Philadelphia, the medical coder hourly pay stands at $19.55, slightly below the national median of $20.13. This figure reflects the financial landscape for those adept at coding within various healthcare environments, such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices. For part-time workers, such as those who commit to three days a week, this rate translates into a significant income, allowing for flexible work schedules while still earning a respectable hourly wage. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $15.10 an hour, while experienced coders can earn up to $32.93, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 data projected into 2026.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.10 | $120.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.55 | $140.38 |
| Median (P50) | $19.55 | $156.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.72 | $205.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.93 | $263.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Philadelphia
Based on $19.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $19.55/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Philadelphia, PA can expect to earn approximately $40,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $23,464. With a cost-of-living index of 102.55 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Philadelphia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Philadelphia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $782.13 | $3,389 | $40,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $469.28 | $2,034 | $24,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $312.85 | $1,356 | $16,268 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Philadelphia) | $19.55 |
| 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 Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $40,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.82% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 4.30% above the Pennsylvania state average of $39,005.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $19.55/hr = $24,403/year (purchasing power: $23,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $40,671/year (purchasing power: $39,658).
CoL index: 102.554 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$19.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$19.55/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-15.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Philadelphia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $19.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Philadelphia grew -18.9% from $23.57/hr (2021) to $19.11/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $20.01/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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Focusing on the realities of part-time employment, a medical coder working three days a week can expect to take home around $27,440 annually, while full-time coders would earn more substantial salaries. Per-diem medical coder pay in Philadelphia typically commands a premium of 10-25% over salaried positions, aligning with the trend for agency workers who enjoy a more flexible lifestyle. Hourly rates can also vary significantly based on employer type; private practices may offer lower compensation compared to large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often have more resources for higher pay. Additionally, some medical coders may prioritize job security and benefits over higher hourly wages, a trade-off they must consider when evaluating job offers. Negotiation tips for applicants in this field include researching industry standards and highlighting unique qualifications to secure competitive rates.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
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 Philadelphia. 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