Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Port Arthur, TX: $25,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Port Arthur, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,019 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Port Arthur's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,061 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,565) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals stepping into their first role as medical coders in Port Arthur can expect a starting medical coder salary around $25,019 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, revealing a noticeable gap between entry-level positions and the city’s median annual salary of $34,565. New graduates can realistically anticipate progression in their pay as they gain experience and skills, with potential earnings increasing to around $29,144 within the first few years. For those considering a career in medical coding, Port Arthur presents a stable market environment, with an estimated growth rate of 2.32% annually, making it a viable option for aspiring coders looking to start their careers in healthcare.
About the Port Arthur Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Port Arthur
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 Port Arthur
Entry-level medical coders in Port Arthur, TX typically start between $25,019 and $29,144 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,557 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,565 — 17.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 12.79% of the starting medical coder pay ($25,019/year) in Port Arthur. 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 Port Arthur
- 1Research the Port Arthur market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $25,019 to $29,144, 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 Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Port Arthur'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 Port Arthur is $28,557 ( 114.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,019, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,576.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,449
2025 BLS Actual
$24,452
2026 Current Est.
$25,019
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Port Arthur (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,449 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,600 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Port Arthur, TX grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,449 in 2021 to $24,452 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,600. New graduates entering the Port Arthur job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Port Arthur 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 Port Arthur
Employers in Port Arthur that typically hire new graduates include larger hospitals and corporate medical group practices, often providing structured onboarding programs to support the transition into the workforce. For candidates pursuing their career in medical coding, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications can significantly enhance their earning potential in Texas. In the first few years, medical coders who expand their credentials may see their compensation rise more rapidly, especially considering that salaries can vary based on employer type and regional demand. Realistically, a new grad medical coder can anticipate gradual pay increases in the early years, as they become established within their roles and expand their professional knowledge and skills, thus positioning themselves well in Port Arthur’s evolving healthcare sector.
More salary data for Port Arthur, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Port Arthur in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Port Arthur?
Is medical coding school worth it in Port Arthur?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Port Arthur?
How do I become a medical coder in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Port Arthur. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Port Arthur 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