Medical Coder Salary in Sterling, VA: $37,483 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Sterling, VA earns a median $37,483/year (≈ $18.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $36,321 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the landscape for medical coders is characterized by modest employment levels, with only seven professionals currently working in the field. Projected for 2026, the median annual salary stands at $37,483, which is lower than the national median of $41,861. Salaries in Sterling are expected to range between $28,816 at the 10th percentile and $57,877 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from state-level data and adjusted for local cost factors, highlight a market that may not be saturated but does exhibit a competitive compensation structure. Given the limited number of employed medical coders, this could suggest both opportunities and challenges for job seekers in navigating local employment landscapes.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,816 | $13.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31,998 | $15.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $37,483 | $18.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47,066 | $22.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57,877 | $27.82 |
Median Salary Position
10.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,061 (2026 est.). At $37,483, the local median is 10.46% below the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Medical Coder Pay Compares
Sterling median: $37,483/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $39,085 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | -10.46% less |
Medical Coders in Sterling, VA earn a median of $37,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.46% lower than the national median of $41,861 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $39,085.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $37,483 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $36,321 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$33,424
2025 BLS Actual
$36,633
2026 Current Est.
$37,483
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Sterling (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33,424 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,942 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,483 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,352 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $33,424 (2021) to $36,633 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $38,352 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,928 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $28,816 – $31,998 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $31,998 – $37,483 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $37,483 – $47,066 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $47,066 – $57,877 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Sterling
The local job market for medical coders in Sterling reflects a growth rate of 2.32% annually, yet the cost of living index at 103.2 indicates that expenses are slightly elevated compared to the national average. This dynamic can affect the purchasing power of medical coder salaries in the area. Employers such as large healthcare organizations often offer higher wages compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, the demand for specialty credentials, and the size of the employer play significant roles in salary variation. For those looking to maximize their medical coder pay in Sterling, pursuing certifications, gaining experience in specialties, and considering positions with larger healthcare networks may yield better compensation potential.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical coders make $100K in Sterling?
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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 $36,633 for medical codersin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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