Medical Coder Pay

Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $20.89 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Memphis, TN runs $20.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $43,466 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,075 per year.

$43,466
Median Annual Salary
$20.89/hr
Hourly Rate
$31,564
Entry Level (P10)
$78,197
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Coder Hourly Rate in Memphis, TN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Memphis, TN medical coder hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Memphis, Tennessee, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $20.89 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $20.13. This competitive rate offers significant potential for both part-time professionals working three days a week and per-diem workers, who often seek flexibility in clinical settings. The hourly pay for medical coders in Memphis ranges from $15.17 at the lower end to $37.59 for top earners, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. This means that individuals just entering the field can expect to make a respectable wage while those with more experience or specialized skills can command higher hourly rates.

Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$15.17$121.39
Lower Range (P25)$17.38$139.07
Median (P50)$20.89$167.15
Upper Range (P75)$26.07$208.57
Top Earners (P90)$37.59$300.74

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis

Based on $20.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a medical coder in Memphis earning $20.89/hr would make approximately $25,072 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $43,459 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$25,072Reduced (32 hr/wk)$33,430Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$43,459

At $20.89/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $43,459 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,072. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$167.15
per 8hr shift
$835.75
per week
$3,622
per month
$43,459
per year

Schedule Comparison in Memphis

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$835.75$3,622$43,459
Part-Time (24 hrs)$501.45$2,173$26,075
Per Diem (16 hrs)$334.30$1,449$17,384

Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Medical Coder (Memphis)$20.89
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing medical coder median salary in Memphis ($43,466) with Tennessee average ($38,809) and the US national median ($41,861).Memphis$43,466Tennessee Avg$38,809+12.00%US National$41,861+3.83%

Medical Coders in Memphis, TN earn a median of $43,466 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 12.00% above the Tennessee state average of $38,809.

Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $20.89/hr = $26,075/year (purchasing power: $28,288).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $43,459/year (purchasing power: $47,146).

CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2021 BLS Actual

$22.60/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$20.42/hr

2026 Current Est.

$20.89/hr

2021–2027 Growth

+-5.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Memphis (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for medical coders in Memphis. Baseline $22.60/hr in 2025, projected to $21.38/hr by 2027.$19$21$24$26$2920212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.60$24.51$26.94$27.20$20.42$20.89$21.38
YearHourly RateStatus
2021$22.60/hrActual
2022$24.51/hrActual
2023$26.94/hrActual
2024$27.20/hrActual
2025$20.42/hrActual
2026(current)$20.89/hrEstimated
2027$21.38/hrProjected

Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Memphis grew -9.6% from $22.60/hr (2021) to $20.42/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $21.38/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem medical coders can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Memphis

When considering the financial implications of part-time work, a medical coder in Memphis working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $32,000 annually, a considerable difference compared to a full-time position. Those opting for per diem roles may earn 10-25% more than staff positions, which highlights the lucrative potential of flexible arrangements. Interestingly, hourly rates can also vary by employer type; coders in large healthcare organizations tend to earn more than those in private practices. While some coders may accept lower hourly pay for the benefits of full-time employment, others may prioritize higher wages in per diem roles without health insurance. Negotiating for appropriate compensation is essential, especially in a market like Memphis, where understanding the unique aspects of various employer types can empower coders to secure more favorable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Memphis in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for medical coders in Memphis is $20.89/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). Rates range from $15.17 at entry level (10th percentile) to $37.59 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 3.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time medical coders make in Memphis?

A part-time medical coder working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Memphis earns approximately $2,173/month, or $26,075/year at the median hourly rate of $20.89. Many medical coders prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are medical coders in Memphis paid hourly or salary?

The majority of medical coders in Memphis are paid hourly at a median rate of $20.89/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $43,459/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Memphis?

A full-time medical coder working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Memphis earns approximately $43,459/year at the median hourly rate of $20.89. This is 3.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $78,192/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?

Part-time and per diem medical coders in Memphis sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $37.59/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Tennessee

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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 Memphis. 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

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