Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Buckeye, AZ: $27,706 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Buckeye, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,706 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Buckeye's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,128 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,669) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering the projected entry-level medical coder salary in Buckeye, AZ, a new graduate can expect to start around $27,706 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $36,669, presenting a gap that entry-level coders may need to bridge through experience and further qualification. Early in their careers, medical coders can progress to earning approximately $31,791 at the 25th percentile and move toward the median as they gain skills and learn the nuances of the profession. With an annual growth rate of 2.32%, Buckeye's market offers new graduates a reasonable opportunity for salary advancement, making it a potentially good entry point for those looking to start their careers in medical coding.
About the Buckeye Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Buckeye
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buckeye
Entry-level medical coders in Buckeye, AZ typically start between $27,706 and $31,791 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,132 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,669 — 12.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Arizona of $3,500 represents just 12.63% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,706/year) in Buckeye. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Buckeye
- 1Research the Buckeye market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,706 to $31,791, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Buckeye, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Buckeye for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Buckeye's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Buckeye is $29,132 ( 105.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,706, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,838.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,538
2025 BLS Actual
$27,078
2026 Current Est.
$27,706
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Buckeye (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,538 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,207 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,673 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,706 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,349 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Buckeye, AZ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,538 in 2021 to $27,078 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,349. New graduates entering the Buckeye job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buckeye 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.
Starting Your medical coding Career in Buckeye
Employers in Buckeye that typically hire new graduate medical coders include large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs, making them ideal for those just entering the field. To elevate starting pay in Arizona, having state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can set candidates apart. In the first three years, medical coders can expect salary growth as they gain experience and build their professional credentials, with compensation varying widely based on employer type and location. This progression aligns with the industry's overall trends, where entry-level salaries gradually rise as coders become more adept in their roles, positioning them for higher earnings as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Buckeye, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Buckeye in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Buckeye?
Is medical coding school worth it in Buckeye?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Buckeye?
How do I become a medical coder in Arizona?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Buckeye. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buckeye 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