Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Hays, KS: $23,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,038 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,344 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,502) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, those entering the medical coding profession can anticipate a starting medical coder salary that begins around $23,038, positioning new graduates at a notable gap from the city's median annual salary of $28,502. While this initial figure might seem modest, it allows for growth over the first few years of employment. As entry-level coders gain experience and potentially move into established roles, salaries can increase to approximately $25,603 at the 25th percentile. This trajectory indicates a steady upward growth potential within 3 to 5 years as coders navigate their newfound responsibilities and continue to develop their skills. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate, Hays appears to present a reasonable market for professionals starting their careers in medical coding.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
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 Hays
Entry-level medical coders in Hays, KS typically start between $23,038 and $25,603 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,912 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,502 — 31.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 12.15% of the starting medical coder pay ($23,038/year) in Hays. 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 Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $23,038 to $25,603, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hays, 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 Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays'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 Hays is $19,912 ( 86.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,038, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,950.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,909
2025 BLS Actual
$22,516
2026 Current Est.
$23,038
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Hays (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,909 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,297 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,348 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,516 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,573 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,909 in 2021 to $22,516 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,573. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
Hiring practices in Hays typically involve large hospital systems and corporate group practices willing to onboard new graduates through structured training programs. These employers often value state licensure, and obtaining additional advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting wages for those just beginning their careers in Kansas. To accelerate career growth in the initial years, new medical coders should consider seeking opportunities that offer mentorship and professional development. In terms of salary expectations, it is realistic for entry-level coders to see increases that may bring them towards the median salary as they approach their third year in the field, provided they actively seek advanced training and varied experiences within their roles.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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