Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $34,446 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Ellensburg, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,446 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ellensburg's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,073 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,548) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Ellensburg, WA, can expect a starting medical coder salary of approximately $34,446 in 2026. This entry-level pay reflects the initial challenges in the job market, particularly for those just beginning their careers. Comparatively, the city’s median annual salary of $45,548 presents a significant gap, highlighting the common trajectory many entry-level coders will experience in their first few years of employment. New graduates can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and move toward the 25th percentile salary of $39,156, before potentially reaching median earnings within three to five years. Overall, Ellensburg provides a reasonably favorable environment for new coders to launch their careers, especially with projected growth in this field.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ellensburg
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 Ellensburg
Entry-level medical coders in Ellensburg, WA typically start between $34,446 and $39,156 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,189 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,548 — 8.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 13.93% of the starting medical coder pay ($34,446/year) in Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg
- 1Research the Ellensburg market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $34,446 to $39,156, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg is $33,189 ( 96.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,446, experienced hygienists can earn up to $67,635.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,777
2025 BLS Actual
$33,665
2026 Current Est.
$34,446
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Ellensburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,777 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,918 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,446 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,245 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Ellensburg, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,777 in 2021 to $33,665 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,245. New graduates entering the Ellensburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
In Ellensburg, potential employers for entry-level medical coders include major hospital systems and established corporate group practices that recognize the value of structured onboarding programs for new hires. By obtaining credentials such as state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications from the profession's national body, graduates can enhance their marketability and potentially increase their starting income. Compensation for entry-level positions varies based on employer type, geographic location, and the specific mix of credentials held by the coder. During the first three years of a coding career, realistic salary expectations will reflect steady progression, with many professionals striving to transition from entry-level roles into higher-paying positions as they build their skills and experience within the healthcare field.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Ellensburg in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Ellensburg?
Is medical coding school worth it in Ellensburg?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Ellensburg?
How do I become a medical coder in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Ellensburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg 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