Medical Coder Salary in Norfolk, VA: $42,029 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Norfolk, VA earns a median $42,029/year (≈ $20.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $40,726 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, medical coder positions offer a median annual salary of $42,029 in 2026, reflecting a slight increase of 0.40% over the national median of $41,861. The salary range for medical coders in the city varies significantly, from $28,297 at the lower end (P10) to $65,145 at the higher end (P90). These figures highlight the diverse earning potential within the medical coding field and are derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variations, which is particularly relevant considering Norfolk's cost of living index is 103.2, slightly above the national average. Therefore, while the salary may appear modest, purchasing power in Norfolk is influenced by the local economic context and employment demand, shaping job prospects for this profession.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,297 | $13.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,189 | $16.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $42,029 | $20.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53,797 | $25.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65,145 | $31.32 |
Median Salary Position
0.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,848 (2026 est.). At $42,029, the local median is 0.4% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Medical Coder Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $42,029/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $39,060 | +7.60% more |
| National Average | $41,861 | +0.40% more |
Medical Coders in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $42,029 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.40% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 7.60% above the Virginia state average of $39,060.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $42,029 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $40,726 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$37,478
2025 BLS Actual
$41,076
2026 Current Est.
$42,029
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Norfolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,895 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,076 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,029 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,004 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $37,478 (2021) to $41,076 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,004 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,526 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $28,297 – $34,189 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,189 – $42,029 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $42,029 – $53,797 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $53,797 – $65,145 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Norfolk
The job market for medical coders in Norfolk is supported by about 54 individuals currently employed in the field. Although the cost of living is higher than the national average, the local wage growth rate for medical coding positions is projected at 2.32% annually. Employers in the area, including large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, typically offer higher salaries compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Differences in compensation can stem from various factors, including shift differentials for night or weekend work, the necessity of specialized credentials, employer size, and the benefits structure provided. To maximize pay in Norfolk, medical coders can benefit from pursuing additional certifications, seeking opportunities with larger employers, and remaining flexible with work hours, optimizing their potential earnings in this evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Norfolk, VA in 2026?
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Can medical coders make $100K in Norfolk?
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Related Pages
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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 $41,076 for medical codersin the Norfolk 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
Salary data for Norfolk 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