Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Fall River, MA: $35,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,935 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,120 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,184) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Fall River, Massachusetts, starting salaries can initially be modest. The entry-level medical coder salary in Fall River is projected to begin at around $35,935 in 2026, significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $47,184. This creates a gap that new coders will need to consider as they begin their careers. However, the pathway to salary growth shows promise; coders can anticipate a gradual increase over the first few years, potentially reaching around $41,156 by their first three to five years of service. Given the dynamic healthcare environment in Fall River, it remains a viable market for new graduates, offering opportunities that align with the projected job growth of approximately 2.32% annually over the next five years.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level medical coders in Fall River, MA typically start between $35,935 and $41,156 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,200 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,184 — 12.72% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 18.09% of the starting medical coder pay ($35,935/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $35,935 to $41,156, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $37,200 ( 103.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,935, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,135.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,935
2025 BLS Actual
$35,120
2026 Current Est.
$35,935
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Fall River (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,768 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,935 in 2021 to $35,120 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,768. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
Employers in Fall River seeking to hire new graduates typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs aimed at easing the transition for entry-level coders. Gaining relevant credentials can significantly elevate starting pays in Massachusetts, and pursuing state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can greatly enhance one's employability. In the first three years, medical coders in this area can expect to see their salaries rise as they gain experience and potentially shift roles or employers. However, compensation will vary widely based on employer type, geographic market conditions, and the specific credentials held by the individual. Developing a strategic career plan that includes continuing education will be crucial as new graduates navigate their early careers in the medical coding field in Fall River, MA.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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