Medical Coder Salary in Modesto, CA: $39,487 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Modesto, CA earns a median $39,487/year (≈ $18.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Modesto's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.1), that paycheck buys what $37,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.4% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, medical coders in Modesto, California, earn a median annual salary of $39,487, slightly lower than the national median of $41,861. The projected salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest earning around $32,652 and the highest reaching up to $65,067. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, indicates a relatively balanced job market for medical coders, with 210 professionals currently employed in the area. Given the moderate growth rate of 2.32% annually for this profession, there is an opportunity for new entrants and current coders to enhance their earnings within the Modesto healthcare environment.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,652 | $15.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,302 | $17.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,487 | $18.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51,864 | $24.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,067 | $31.29 |
Median Salary Position
5.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Modesto
In Modesto, CA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,415 (2026 est.). At $39,487, the local median is 5.67% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Modesto: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Modesto Medical Coder Pay Compares
Modesto median: $39,487/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Modesto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $48,391 | -18.40% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -5.67% less |
Medical Coders in Modesto, CA earn a median of $39,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.67% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 18.40% below the California state average of $48,391.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Modesto has a cost of living 4.11% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Modesto, CA has a cost-of-living index of 104.108 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,487 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $37,929 — a 3.95% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$47,000
2025 BLS Actual
$38,592
2026 Current Est.
$39,487
2021–2027 Growth
+-14.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Modesto (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,487 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,403 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Modesto metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -17.9% from $47,000 (2021) to $38,592 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $-6,597 (-14.04%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Modesto 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $32,652 – $37,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,302 – $39,487 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,487 – $51,864 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $51,864 – $65,067 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Modesto
As the cost of living index in Modesto stands at 104.108, above the national average, these salary figures take on greater significance regarding purchasing power. While the local market currently supports 210 medical coders, those seeking to maximize their earning potential should consider employment with larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which tend to offer more competitive pay. The disparity in compensation often correlates with factors such as credentialing, employer size, and benefits packages. Medical coders with specialized training or certifications may command higher wages, especially in settings that require more complex coding expertise. For those in Modesto looking to increase their compensation, focusing on obtaining additional certifications and being flexible with work hours can make a considerable difference in overall medical coder pay in Modesto, CA.
More salary data for Modesto, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,592 for medical codersin the Modesto metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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