Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $21,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,366 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,505 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,771) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Leavenworth, KS, those starting their careers as medical coders can expect a starting medical coder salary of around $21,366 as projected for 2026. This figure falls below the city’s median annual salary for the role, which is $29,771, highlighting a noticeable gap that new graduates should be aware of as they transition into the field. However, the salary trajectory for entry-level coders can improve significantly over the first three to five years, progressing from the initial wage up to $24,953 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the city median. Currently, Leavenworth provides a moderate market for new grads, balancing lower initial pay with opportunities for growth as experience and competencies are gained.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
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 Leavenworth
Entry-level medical coders in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $21,366 and $24,953 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,779 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,771 — 28.88% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 13.10% of the starting medical coder pay ($21,366/year) in Leavenworth. 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 Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $21,366 to $24,953, 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 Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth is $24,779 ( 115.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,366, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,145.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$16,610
2025 BLS Actual
$20,882
2026 Current Est.
$21,366
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Leavenworth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $19,798 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21,862 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,610 in 2021 to $20,882 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,862. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
Employers in Leavenworth that hire new graduates typically include larger hospital systems and corporate medical practices, which often offer structured onboarding and training programs. For new coders, obtaining relevant certifications recognized by the profession's national body can substantially increase starting pay in Kansas; state licensure combined with optional advanced credentials can make candidates more competitive. In the first three years, salary potential varies widely depending on the employer type, geographic market, and mix of credentials; those who actively pursue further education and skill development can see realistic salary increases that align with the profession's growth rate of 2.32%. A strategic approach within these formative years, emphasizing skills enhancement and networking within the healthcare field, can greatly influence new grad medical coder pay in KS.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Leavenworth in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Leavenworth?
Is medical coding school worth it in Leavenworth?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Leavenworth?
How do I become a medical coder in Kansas?
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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 Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth 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