Medical Coder Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $37,801 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $37,801/year (≈ $18.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $36,629 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, Virginia, medical coder salaries are projected to have a median annual salary of $37,801 for 2026, which falls below the national median of $41,861. The pay range for these professionals spans from $27,594 at the lower end (P10) to $58,592 at the higher end (P90), reflecting a broad spectrum of compensation influenced by various factors such as employer type and experience level. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the challenges faced by local coders in achieving competitive earnings compared to their counterparts nationwide. The variance in salary illustrates the unique market dynamics of Portsmouth, where opportunities may be limited but essential for the local healthcare ecosystem.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,594 | $13.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32,075 | $15.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,801 | $18.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,675 | $22.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58,592 | $28.17 |
Median Salary Position
9.7% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,998 (2026 est.). At $37,801, the local median is 9.7% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Medical Coder Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $37,801/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $39,051 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -9.70% less |
Medical Coders in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $37,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.70% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $39,051.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $37,801 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $36,629 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$33,708
2025 BLS Actual
$36,944
2026 Current Est.
$37,801
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Portsmouth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,708 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,239 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,944 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,801 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,678 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $33,708 (2021) to $36,944 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,970 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $27,594 – $32,075 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $32,075 – $37,801 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,801 – $47,675 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,675 – $58,592 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Portsmouth
In the local job market, about 17 medical coders are employed, and the cost of living index sits at 103.2, indicating that daily expenses are slightly above the national average. This scenario influences how much take-home pay one can effectively utilize, pressing the need for competitive salaries to afford typical living costs. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest compensation, followed by specialty clinics and community health centers. The distinction in medical coder pay in Portsmouth, VA, often hinges on factors like shift differentials and the presence of specialty credentials that can command higher salaries. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications and staying informed on shifts in market demand can provide a clear advantage in securing more lucrative positions.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
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 $36,944 for medical codersin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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