Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Overland Park, KS: $21,149 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,149 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.99% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,940) within a few years of clinical practice.

$21,149
Starting Salary
$10.17/hr
Starting Hourly
$21,149
Entry Level
$30,940
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Entry Level Salary in Overland Park, KS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Overland Park, KS medical coder entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Starting your career as a medical coder in Overland Park, Kansas, comes with specific salary expectations. In 2026, new graduates entering the field can anticipate a starting medical coder salary in Overland Park around $21,149, which is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $30,940. While this initial pay may feel discouraging, there is potential for growth; earnings can rise significantly over the first few years as coders gain experience and expertise. It’s common for those in their first three to five years to move up to around $25,219, and eventually approach the median salary as they become more established in their roles. With a growth rate of 2.32% projected annually, Overland Park presents a relatively stable market for new grad medical coder pay in KS.

About the Overland Park Market

Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$21,149/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$25,219/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$30,940/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$39,290/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Overland Park. The median salary is $30,940, compared to the national median of $41,861.$19.0K$26.9K$34.7K$42.5K$50.4K$21.1K10th Pctl$25.2K25th Pctl$30.9KMedian$39.3K75th Pctl$48.0K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Overland Park, KS typically start between $21,149 and $25,219 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,94026.09% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Overland Park metro area.

Return on Investment

$2,800
Avg KS Program Cost
$21,149
Starting Salary
13.24%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 13.24% of the starting medical coder pay ($21,149/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park

  • 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $21,149 to $25,219, 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 Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $26,807 ( 126.75%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,149, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,956.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$16,440

2025 BLS Actual

$20,669

2026 Current Est.

$21,149

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Overland Park (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Overland Park. Baseline $16,440 in 2025, projected to $21,639 by 2027.$14.0K$18.3K$22.5K$26.8K$31.0K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.4K$17.7K$19.6K$28.6K$20.7K$21.1K$21.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$16,440Actual
2022$17,714Actual
2023$19,596Actual
2024$28,570Actual
2025$20,669Actual
2026(current)$21,149Estimated
2027$21,639Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,440 in 2021 to $20,669 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,639. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Overland Park

In Overland Park, large hospital systems and corporate group practices often form the backbone of employment opportunities for entry-level medical coders. These employers frequently hire new graduates and provide structured onboarding processes, which is advantageous for recent license holders eager to step into the field. To improve starting pay, candidates should consider obtaining additional certifications recognized nationally, as this can set them apart in a competitive job market. Realistically, the first one to three years in the profession may yield varied compensation based on employer type and geographic factors, with many coders making meaningful strides in their pay as they enhance their credentials and experience. It’s vital for new coders in Overland Park to be proactive about their professional development to navigate their career growth effectively in this evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Overland Park in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Overland Park start at approximately $21,149/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $10.17/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Overland Park?

Most medical coders in Overland Park progress from the entry-level salary of $21,149 to the area median of $30,940 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $47,956 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical coding school worth it in Overland Park?

With a starting salary of $21,149/year in Overland Park and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical coders recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical coders make right out of school in Overland Park?

New medical coding graduates in Overland Park typically start near the 10th percentile at $21,149/year, or approximately $10.17/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical coder in Kansas?

To become a licensed medical coder in Kansas, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Kansas, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical coders pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Kansas

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Overland Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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