Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Peoria, AZ: $26,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Peoria, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,399 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,801 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,131) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Peoria, Arizona, new graduate medical coders can expect to receive a starting salary around $26,399 in 2026, which reflects a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $38,131. For those entering this field, it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations as they navigate the initial stages of their careers. As these early-career professionals gain experience, they can anticipate a gradual salary increase, touching $31,333 at the 25th percentile, ultimately working toward the median over the first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually in this profession, Peoria presents an encouraging market for newcomers, allowing medical coding graduates a chance to establish and grow their careers.
About the Peoria Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level medical coders in Peoria, AZ typically start between $26,399 and $31,333 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,703 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,131 — 8.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Arizona of $3,500 represents just 13.26% of the starting medical coder pay ($26,399/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $26,399 to $31,333, 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 Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $32,703 ( 123.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,399, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,102.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,521
2025 BLS Actual
$25,800
2026 Current Est.
$26,399
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Peoria (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,461 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,652 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,011 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, AZ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,521 in 2021 to $25,800 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,011. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
In Peoria, employment opportunities for entry-level medical coders are often found within larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively seek out graduates for their structured onboarding processes. To enhance their earning potential, new coders can pursue state licensure in addition to optional certifications from recognized national bodies. This advanced credentialing not only boosts their starting medical coder pay in AZ but also opens doors to more competitive job opportunities. In their first one to three years, entry-level coders can expect pay to increase as they gain experience, but it's vital to understand that compensation varies widely depending on employer type, geographic market, and the credentials they hold. New graduates need to consider these factors carefully to shape a successful career path and to navigate the salary growth effectively.
More salary data for Peoria, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Peoria?
Is medical coding school worth it in Peoria?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Peoria?
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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peoria 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