Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $31,433 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,433 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,293 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,603) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical coding field in Idaho Falls can expect an entry-level salary starting around $31,433. This figure is on the lower end of the projected range, which highlights the initial gap compared to the median annual salary of $38,603 for medical coders in the city. Although the first-year compensation may feel modest, there's a clear pathway for growth in the early years, moving up to $34,150 at the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching the median within three to five years. Overall, Idaho Falls offers a feasible market for newcomers, with salaries that reflect the cost of living index at 94.412, making it an attractive starting point for those pursuing a career in medical coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level medical coders in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $31,433 and $34,150 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,260 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,603 — 7.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 9.54% of the starting medical coder pay ($31,433/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $31,433 to $34,150, 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 Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's below-average 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 Idaho Falls is $19,260 ( 61.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,433, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,693.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,220
2025 BLS Actual
$30,720
2026 Current Est.
$31,433
2021–2027 Growth
+10.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Idaho Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,433 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,162 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew 5.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,220 in 2021 to $30,720 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,162. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
To maximize earning potential in Idaho Falls, new medical coders should target larger hospital systems or corporate group practices, as these employers are often more likely to provide structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. Continuing education and earning additional credentials, such as those recognized by national certifying bodies, can significantly enhance starting medical coder pay in ID. Early in their careers, coders can expect variations in compensation based on their employer type and specific qualifications. For those diligent about skill development, realistic salary growth in the first few years includes moving toward the 75th percentile, which peaks at $49,768, potentially leading to a stable and prosperous career trajectory in this essential field.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
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
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 Idaho Falls. 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