Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Killeen, TX: $29,141 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,141 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 91.1 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,977 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,470) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, TX, new graduates entering the field as medical coders can expect a starting medical coder salary of approximately $29,141 in 2026, which translates to an hourly wage of around $14.01. This pay is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $40,470, highlighting a significant gap for entry-level professionals. With experience over the first three to five years, aspiring coders can anticipate growth potential. By reaching the 25th percentile, graduates may see their earnings rise to $33,119, moving up toward the median as they gain proficiency. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, Killeen remains a viable market for new coders seeking to begin their careers in this healthcare sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
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 Killeen
Entry-level medical coders in Killeen, TX typically start between $29,141 and $33,119 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,218 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,470 — 3.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 10.98% of the starting medical coder pay ($29,141/year) in Killeen. 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 Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $29,141 to $33,119, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, 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 Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen'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 Killeen is $32,218 ( 110.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,141, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,359.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,320
2025 BLS Actual
$28,480
2026 Current Est.
$29,141
2021–2027 Growth
+1.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Killeen (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,870 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,141 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,817 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew -2.9% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,320 in 2021 to $28,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,817. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
Hiring opportunities for entry-level medical coders in Killeen are often found within large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which typically offer structured onboarding programs for recent graduates. To enhance entry level medical coder salary Killeen, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional certifications recognized by the national professional body can provide a competitive edge. In the first few years, salary growth can vary significantly based on the type of employer and the geographic nuances of the market. While the entry-level compensation is modest, early-career coders who focus on gaining experience and additional credentials can reasonably expect salary increases, with progressive growth likely occurring as they advance towards mid-level positions. The combination of education and hands-on experience will be instrumental in navigating the evolving landscape of medical coding salaries in this region of Texas.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
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 Killeen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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