Medical Coder Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $17.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a medical coder working in Herndon, VA runs $17.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,594 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $17.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,951 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Herndon, Virginia, the medical coder hourly pay stands at a median of $17.59, which positions it below the national median of $20.13. This difference indicates a competitive yet sometimes challenging environment for local medical coders, especially for those considering part-time or per-diem roles. For individuals working three days a week, with a typical schedule of about 24 hours, the income can be significant but is dictated by the entry-level rate of $14.18 up to the impressive $25.52 for more experienced coders. Coders in clinical settings often appreciate the flexibility of per-diem opportunities, though these are typically calculated based on annual salary data. Thus, understanding the dynamics of the hourly pay structure is essential for maximizing earnings.
About the Herndon 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) | $14.18 | $113.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.82 | $126.55 |
| Median (P50) | $17.59 | $140.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.25 | $170.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.52 | $204.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $17.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.59/hr, a medical coder working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $36,585 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,107. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $703.55 | $3,049 | $36,585 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $422.13 | $1,829 | $21,951 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $281.42 | $1,219 | $14,634 |
Compare CPC, CCS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Medical Coder (Herndon) | $17.59 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $36,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $39,054.
Medical Coder Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.59/hr = $21,951/year (purchasing power: $21,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,585/year (purchasing power: $35,450).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$15.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Medical Coders in Herndon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $15.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $16.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for medical coders in Herndon grew 9.6% from $15.68/hr (2021) to $17.19/hr (2025). At a 2.32% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.00/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
The earning potential for part-time medical coders in Herndon can vary widely. For someone working 24 hours per week at the median rate, the annual take-home could reach approximately $21,918, a stark contrast to the full-time figure. For those pursuing per diem positions, rates may increase by 10-25% compared to staff wages, making these roles particularly appealing. Different employer types in the area, ranging from private practices to larger healthcare organizations, can also influence pay rates, with specialty clinics often offering favorable compensation packages. Many medical coders opt for lower hourly pay in return for employment benefits such as health insurance, which becomes a crucial factor in job acceptance. Professionals in this field should be well-prepared to negotiate pay based on their credentials, experience, and the specific demands of employers in Herndon, VA. Staying informed about local compensation trends will also enhance a coder’s positioning during discussions concerning their hourly rate.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for medical coders in Herndon in 2026?
How much do part-time medical coders make in Herndon?
Are medical coders in Herndon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time medical coder make per year in Herndon?
Do medical coders earn more per hour working part-time in Herndon?
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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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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