Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Salina, KS: $23,179 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Salina, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,179 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,457) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for entry-level medical coders in Salina, Kansas, present a competitive starting point for new graduates breaking into the workforce. The anticipated 2026 entry-level pay is set at $23,179, which is considerably below the city’s median annual salary of $29,457. As junior coders gain experience and potentially earn credentials, they can progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $26,103 and even the median within the first few years. With a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, new entrants into the medical coding field in Salina may find themselves in a relatively stable market despite the initial salary gap compared to median rates.
About the Salina Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salina
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 Salina
Entry-level medical coders in Salina, KS typically start between $23,179 and $26,103 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,971 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,457 — 29.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 12.08% of the starting medical coder pay ($23,179/year) in Salina. 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 Salina
- 1Research the Salina market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $23,179 to $26,103, 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 Salina, 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 Salina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salina'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 Salina is $20,971 ( 90.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,179, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,150.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,018
2025 BLS Actual
$22,653
2026 Current Est.
$23,179
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Salina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,359 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,653 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,179 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,716 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Salina, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,018 in 2021 to $22,653 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,716. New graduates entering the Salina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salina 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 Salina
In Salina, several employers actively hire new graduates, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding for inexperienced coders. These organizations often value continuing education and encourage coders to pursue state licensure and additional advanced certifications from the profession's national body, which can enhance earning potential. To capitalize on opportunities in the first three years, candidates should focus on gaining hands-on experience and continue their education. Starting pay in Kansas can vary dramatically depending on employer type and responsibilities. A newly licensed coder can expect to see salary increases as they navigate their early career, with realistic growth expectations fostering a gradual advancement towards more competitive compensation levels.
More salary data for Salina, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Salina in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Salina?
Is medical coding school worth it in Salina?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Salina?
How do I become a medical coder in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Salina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salina 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