Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $35,779 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Coeur d'Alene, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,779 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coeur d'Alene's local price level (BEA RPP 98.3 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,400 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,699) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting in 2026, the entry-level medical coder salary in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is projected to begin at approximately $35,779 annually. For new graduates, this starting figure offers a clear entry point into the field, although it falls short of the median salary for the area, which is $40,699. As early-career professionals gain experience and advance their skills, they can expect to see their salaries improve, with an upward trajectory that could see them reaching around $39,864 after a few years. Given the 2.32% annual growth rate in this profession, Coeur d'Alene presents a reasonable market for fresh graduates entering the medical coding workforce in 2026, making it an attractive option for those looking to kick-start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coeur d'Alene
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 Coeur d'Alene
Entry-level medical coders in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically start between $35,779 and $39,864 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,265 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,699 — 2.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 8.38% of the starting medical coder pay ($35,779/year) in Coeur d'Alene. 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 Coeur d'Alene
- 1Research the Coeur d'Alene market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $35,779 to $39,864, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coeur d'Alene, 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 Coeur d'Alene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coeur d'Alene'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 Coeur d'Alene is $28,265 ( 79.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,779, experienced hygienists can earn up to $64,044.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$30,060
2025 BLS Actual
$34,968
2026 Current Est.
$35,779
2021–2027 Growth
+21.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Coeur d'Alene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,779 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,609 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene, ID grew 16.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,060 in 2021 to $34,968 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,609. New graduates entering the Coeur d'Alene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene 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 Coeur d'Alene
In Coeur d'Alene, several healthcare employers seek out new grads, particularly larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs for entry-level medical coders. To boost their starting medical coder pay in ID, new professionals should consider obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized nationally, which can enhance their qualifications and marketability. During the critical first few years, medical coders can expect significant variations in compensation based on employer type and geographic specifics. Realistic salary growth within the first three years may lead new coders to achieve salary levels that exceed entry-level figures considerably, particularly as they solidify their expertise and expand their professional credentials in this evolving field.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Coeur d'Alene?
Is medical coding school worth it in Coeur d'Alene?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Coeur d'Alene?
How do I become a medical coder in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Idaho
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 Coeur d'Alene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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