Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Texarkana, TX: $20,374 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Texarkana, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,374 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 84.0 — 16% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,251 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,600) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Texarkana, the entry-level medical coder salary shows promising potential. As of 2026, starting salaries typically begin at around $20,374, which is significantly lower than the area's median annual salary of $28,600. However, there is a clear growth path; as coders gain experience over the first three to five years, they can expect their earnings to increase, with potential salaries reaching approximately $25,916 when they attain the 25th percentile. This gradual growth suggests that the medical coding market in Texarkana remains a viable option for newcomers, especially given the city’s cost of living index, which is below the national average. Thus, new medical coders can find reasonable opportunities for employment and advancement in this burgeoning local healthcare environment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
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 Texarkana
Entry-level medical coders in Texarkana, TX typically start between $20,374 and $25,916 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,565 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,600 — 31.68% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 15.71% of the starting medical coder pay ($20,374/year) in Texarkana. 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 Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $20,374 to $25,916, 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 Texarkana, 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 Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana'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 Texarkana is $30,565 ( 150.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,374, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,939.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,180
2025 BLS Actual
$19,912
2026 Current Est.
$20,374
2021–2027 Growth
+-10.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Texarkana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,980 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20,374 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,847 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, TX grew -14.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,180 in 2021 to $19,912 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,847. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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 Texarkana
In Texarkana, several employers actively recruit entry-level medical coders, with large hospital systems and corporate group practices leading the way. These organizations often offer a structured onboarding process, making it easier for new grads to acclimate to their roles. Obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further enhance starting pay in Texas, enabling coders to command higher salaries as they progress in their careers. Early-career professionals should expect salary growth reflecting their employer's type, geographic location, and their individual credentialing efforts. Realistically, in the first three years, new medical coders can experience pay increases through skill development and specialized training, advancing from entry-level wages toward more competitive compensation packages typical in the industry. For those entering the field, leveraging available resources and professional connections will be key to maximizing their new grad medical coder pay TX.
More salary data for Texarkana, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is medical coding school worth it in Texarkana?
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How do I become a medical coder in Texas?
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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 Texarkana. 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