Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Kuna, ID: $30,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Kuna, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kuna's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,208 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,055) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new medical coders entering the workforce in Kuna, ID, the entry-level medical coder salary in 2026 is projected to start at around $30,694. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median annual salary of $39,055, it provides a realistic benchmark for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, new graduates can expect their earnings to increase gradually as they gain experience, moving from the lower salary percentiles to more competitive pay around the median. Kuna's job market in this field is currently stable, offering new graduates a chance to build their skills and advance toward higher compensation.
About the Kuna Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kuna
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 Kuna
Entry-level medical coders in Kuna, ID typically start between $30,694 and $34,580 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,841 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,055 — 6.7% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 9.77% of the starting medical coder pay ($30,694/year) in Kuna. 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 Kuna
- 1Research the Kuna market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $30,694 to $34,580, 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 Kuna, 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 Kuna for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kuna'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 Kuna is $29,841 ( 97.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,535.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,861
2025 BLS Actual
$29,998
2026 Current Est.
$30,694
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Kuna (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,441 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,818 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,998 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,406 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Kuna, ID grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,861 in 2021 to $29,998 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,406. New graduates entering the Kuna job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kuna 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 Kuna
Employers in Kuna that typically hire entry-level medical coders include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs tailored for new hires. Pursuing additional credentials from recognized national bodies can further enhance a new coder's earning potential in Idaho. It is advisable for recent graduates to seek continuous education opportunities, as they can significantly influence compensation growth. A well-thought-out career strategy is essential in the first few years, focusing on gaining experience and possibly pursuing advanced certifications, which can lead to salary growth. In a competitive environment, the potential for increased pay within the first three years hinges on the employer type and the coder’s commitment to professional development.
More salary data for Kuna, 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 Kuna. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kuna 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