Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Scarborough, ME: $24,077 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Scarborough, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,077 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scarborough's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,174 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,825) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scarborough, Maine, new graduates venturing into the medical coding field can expect an entry-level medical coder salary resting at approximately $24,077 in 2026. This figure highlights a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $31,825, leaving room for salary growth over the first few years of employment. New coders can anticipate stepping up through salary brackets, moving from the starting pay to about $28,616 as they gain experience and skills. Over a span of just three to five years, it is realistic for entry-level coders to prepare for earnings approaching the city’s median, especially within an industry growing at an annual rate of 2.32%. Scarborough currently provides a solid market for fresh graduates, especially considering its relatively low cost of living index at 99.6, slightly below the national average.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scarborough
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 Scarborough
Entry-level medical coders in Scarborough, ME typically start between $24,077 and $28,616 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,098 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,825 — 23.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 18.69% of the starting medical coder pay ($24,077/year) in Scarborough. 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 Scarborough
- 1Research the Scarborough market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $24,077 to $28,616, 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 Scarborough, 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 Scarborough for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scarborough'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 Scarborough is $22,098 ( 91.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,077, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,175.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,717
2025 BLS Actual
$23,531
2026 Current Est.
$24,077
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Scarborough (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,367 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,077 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,636 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Scarborough, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,717 in 2021 to $23,531 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,636. New graduates entering the Scarborough job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Various employers in Scarborough are open to hiring new graduates for medical coding positions, notably larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that typically offer structured onboarding programs. For new coders eager to enhance their starting medical coder salary in Scarborough, pursuing state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can lead to better pay opportunities. In the first 1 to 3 years, coders should focus on honing their skills and considering their work environment, as compensation can vary widely by employer type and geographic market. With strategic career development, newcomers can realistically expect salary increases in line with the growth trend in the industry, positioning themselves well in a profession that, despite starting lower than the national average, provides avenues for advancement and increased earnings over time.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Scarborough in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Scarborough?
Is medical coding school worth it in Scarborough?
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How do I become a medical coder in Maine?
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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 Scarborough. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Scarborough 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