Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Leominster, MA: $34,223 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Leominster, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,223 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leominster's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,542 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,366) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical coding field in Leominster, Massachusetts, can expect a modest starting medical coder salary, with entry-level positions typically offering around $34,223. This figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $45,366, highlighting an almost $11,000 gap that early-career coders will need to bridge. However, with an expected growth trajectory, new coders should anticipate a gradual increase in their pay as they gain experience, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $38,139 within the first few years. Given that the local economy is projected to add jobs at a rate of 2.32%, Leominster appears to be a favorable market for new coders, providing ample opportunities for entry-level positions.
About the Leominster Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leominster
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 Leominster
Entry-level medical coders in Leominster, MA typically start between $34,223 and $38,139 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,366 — 8.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 18.99% of the starting medical coder pay ($34,223/year) in Leominster. 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 Leominster
- 1Research the Leominster market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $34,223 to $38,139, 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 Leominster, 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 Leominster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leominster'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 Leominster is $34,749 ( 101.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,223, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,972.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,630
2025 BLS Actual
$33,447
2026 Current Est.
$34,223
2021–2027 Growth
+-4.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Leominster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,223 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,017 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Leominster, MA grew -8.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,630 in 2021 to $33,447 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,017. New graduates entering the Leominster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leominster 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 Leominster
Organizations such as larger hospital systems and corporate group practices in Leominster are actively hiring new graduates in the medical coding field, often accompanied by structured onboarding programs conducive to professional growth. Graduates with relevant credentials, including state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, can significantly elevate their starting pay in Massachusetts. Entry-level coders should consider strategic moves in their first few years, as compensation can vary widely depending on employer type, geographic market, and the mix of credentials held. Realistically, those entering this field can expect their salaries to grow progressively, with lifts in pay likely to be motivated by continued education and hands-on experience.
More salary data for Leominster, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Leominster in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Leominster?
Is medical coding school worth it in Leominster?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Leominster?
How do I become a medical coder in Massachusetts?
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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 Leominster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leominster 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