Medical Coder Salary in Charlotte, NC: $41,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Charlotte, NC earns a median $41,837/year (≈ $20.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Charlotte's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.3), that paycheck buys what $42,977 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Medical coders in Charlotte, North Carolina, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $41,837 in 2026, reflecting a competitive figure in the region. This amount is slightly below the national median of $41,861, showcasing a modest difference that potential coders should consider. The salary range spans from $32,865 at the 10th percentile to $67,196 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant income variation based on experience, specialty, and employer type. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrate the local job market's dynamics, where specialized skills and credentials can greatly influence earning potential.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,865 | $15.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,122 | $17.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $41,837 | $20.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,814 | $28.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67,196 | $32.31 |
Median Salary Position
0.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,331 (2026 est.). At $41,837, the local median is 0.06% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlotte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlotte Medical Coder Pay Compares
Charlotte median: $41,837/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlotte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $38,773 | +7.90% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | -0.06% less |
Medical Coders in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $41,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 7.90% above the North Carolina state average of $38,773.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlotte has a cost of living 2.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 97.348 (below the national average of 100). A medical coder earning $41,837 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $42,977 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.72% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$42,250
2025 BLS Actual
$40,888
2026 Current Est.
$41,837
2021–2027 Growth
+1.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Charlotte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,250 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,888 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,807 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlotte metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew -3.2% from $42,250 (2021) to $40,888 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $42,807 by 2027 — a total increase of $557 (1.32%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlotte 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) | $32,865 – $37,122 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,122 – $41,837 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $41,837 – $58,814 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,814 – $67,196 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Charlotte
In Charlotte, approximately 1,450 medical coders are actively employed, indicating a solid demand for professionals in this field. The cost of living in the area, with an index of 97.348, suggests that while salaries are slightly below the national average, purchasing power remains favorable. Larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher salaries compared to smaller practices and community health centers, making them attractive employers for those seeking to maximize medical coder pay in Charlotte, NC. Factors such as shift differentials, specific certifications, and the overall benefits structure provided by employers contribute to the wage disparities observed within this occupation. For professionals looking to enhance their earnings, obtaining additional certifications and seeking employment with larger institutions could be strategic moves in this growing job market.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
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 $40,888 for medical codersin the Charlotte 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