Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Richmond, IN: $27,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,327 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,931 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,514) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those contemplating a career as a medical coder in Richmond, Indiana can expect a starting point where entry-level salaries hover around $27,327. While this figure is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $38,514 for all medical coders in the city, new graduates can anticipate growth as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, many find themselves progressing to the 25th percentile, earning around $34,395, thereby narrowing the income gap significantly. Due to a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Richmond presents a viable market for newcomers eager to start their careers in medical coding, offering opportunities that can lead to better compensation as they settle into their roles.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level medical coders in Richmond, IN typically start between $27,327 and $34,395 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,822 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,514 — 8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Indiana of $3,500 represents just 12.81% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,327/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,327 to $34,395, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $30,822 ( 112.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,327, experienced hygienists can earn up to $58,149.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,243
2025 BLS Actual
$26,707
2026 Current Est.
$27,327
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Richmond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,889 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,515 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,707 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,961 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,243 in 2021 to $26,707 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,961. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
In Richmond, practical pathways into entry-level positions are often found in larger healthcare systems and corporate group practices, which typically provide structured onboarding programs for new graduates. These employers look favorably on candidates holding state licensure and recognize advanced certifications granted by national professional organizations, factors that can positively influence starting pay in Indiana. In the early years—years one to three—new medical coders can expect salary growth that varies widely, contingent upon the types of employers they join, as well as their level of credentials. Realistically, a new grad can see their compensation evolve as they move from entry-level roles toward mid-tier positions, particularly if they remain proactive in training and education, capitalizing on Richmond’s supportive healthcare environment.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Richmond in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Richmond?
Is medical coding school worth it in Richmond?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Richmond?
How do I become a medical coder in Indiana?
Related Pages
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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