Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Fairfax, VA: $17.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Fairfax, VA runs $17.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $37,297 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Fairfax's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $17.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,372 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fairfax, Virginia, the medical coder hourly pay is projected to be $17.93 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $20.13. This rate brings significant insights for those considering part-time roles or per-diem positions. For instance, a part-time medical coder working three days a week may find a comfortable lifestyle, given the flexible scheduling typical in clinical settings. The hourly wage ranges from $13.51 for entry-level positions to $26.65 for top earners, providing a diverse earning potential for coders at different stages of their careers. These figures are derived from annual salary data, making them a useful benchmark for individuals entering the field or negotiating their compensation.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Medical Coder Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.51 | $108.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.43 | $123.44 |
| Median (P50) | $17.93 | $143.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.05 | $176.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.65 | $213.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairfax
Based on $17.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.93/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairfax, VA can expect to earn approximately $37,287 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,512. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairfax.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairfax
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $717.06 | $3,107 | $37,287 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $430.24 | $1,864 | $22,372 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $286.82 | $1,243 | $14,915 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Fairfax) | $17.93 |
| 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 Fairfax, VA earn a median of $37,297 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.90% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $39,054.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.93/hr = $22,372/year (purchasing power: $21,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $37,287/year (purchasing power: $36,131).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.93/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Fairfax (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Fairfax grew 9.6% from $15.99/hr (2021) to $17.52/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.34/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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax
In the realm of part-time employment, a medical coder in Fairfax working 24 hours a week could realistically take home around $22,534 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem medical coder pay in the Fairfax area can exceed standard rates by 10-25% as agencies often offer premiums for flexibility. When comparing hourly rates across different employment types, medical coders in large healthcare organizations might receive steadier pay but fewer benefits, while those in private practices or community health centers may experience variability. As such, some professionals willingly accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, while others might prioritize higher hourly earnings without the safety net of benefits. For effective negotiations in this market, it can be beneficial to emphasize unique credentials and local market demands to potentially secure better offers in Fairfax.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Fairfax in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Fairfax?
Are medical coders in Fairfax paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Fairfax?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Fairfax?
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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 Fairfax. 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 Fairfax 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