Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Biddeford, ME: $23,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Biddeford, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,420 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biddeford's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,514 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,559) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a medical coder in Biddeford, ME, offers new graduates a tangible entry point with varied salary expectations. In 2026, the entry-level positions for medical coders are projected to start at around $23,420, with a more optimistic salary of approximately $26,805 for those at the 25th percentile. This initial pay is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $31,559, indicating that while there is growth potential, new graduates will need to be realistic in their expectations. Over the first three to five years, as coders gain experience, the income trajectory exhibits potential for growth, allowing for movement towards the median salary and beyond. With a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Biddeford presents a conducive market for fresh graduates to enter the workforce with promise for upward mobility.
About the Biddeford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biddeford
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 Biddeford
Entry-level medical coders in Biddeford, ME typically start between $23,420 and $26,805 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,948 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,559 — 24.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 19.21% of the starting medical coder pay ($23,420/year) in Biddeford. 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 Biddeford
- 1Research the Biddeford market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $23,420 to $26,805, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biddeford, 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 Biddeford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biddeford's moderate 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 Biddeford is $22,948 ( 97.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,420, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,368.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,206
2025 BLS Actual
$22,889
2026 Current Est.
$23,420
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Biddeford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,206 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,889 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,963 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Biddeford, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,206 in 2021 to $22,889 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,963. New graduates entering the Biddeford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford 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 Biddeford
Employers in Biddeford that typically seek new grads include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices known for structured onboarding processes. For entry-level medical coders, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can significantly enhance starting medical coder salaries in ME. Job seekers should focus on establishing themselves within the first one to three years, gaining experience and pursuing further education to improve their earning potential. Given the competitive nature of compensation which varies by employer type and credential mix, newcomers can realistically anticipate modest salary increases as they prove their skills. The market is favorable for those willing to commit to professional development, making it an exciting time to embark on a career in medical coding within this local context.
More salary data for Biddeford, ME:
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 Biddeford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biddeford 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