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.
Official BLS data · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21.38/hr | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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 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.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 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