Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Caledonia, WI: $33,095 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Caledonia, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,095 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caledonia's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,434 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,827) within a few years of clinical practice.

$33,095
Starting Salary
$15.91/hr
Starting Hourly
$33,095
Entry Level
$46,827
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Entry Level Salary in Caledonia, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Caledonia, WI medical coder entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the medical coding field in Caledonia, Wisconsin, the starting pay is projected to be around $33,095 in 2026. While this starting medical coder salary in Caledonia is lower than the city's median of $46,827, it represents a solid entry point into a field that is expected to provide growth opportunities. Over the first few years, many new graduates can expect their earnings to increase as they gain experience; realistically, a coder might see their salary grow to around $41,577 with a P25 level of experience within three to five years. Given Caledonia's growing healthcare sector and the anticipated annual job growth rate of 2.32%, this market remains promising for new medical coding professionals.

About the Caledonia Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Caledonia

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$33,095/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$41,577/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$46,827/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$59,344/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Caledonia. The median salary is $46,827, compared to the national median of $41,861.$29.8K$41.4K$53.0K$64.6K$76.2K$33.1K10th Pctl$41.6K25th Pctl$46.8KMedian$59.3K75th Pctl$72.6K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Caledonia, WI typically start between $33,095 and $41,577 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,487 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,82711.86% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Caledonia metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$33,095
Starting Salary
10.58%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 10.58% of the starting medical coder pay ($33,095/year) in Caledonia. 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 Caledonia

  • 1Research the Caledonia market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $33,095 to $41,577, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Caledonia, 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 Caledonia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Caledonia'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 Caledonia is $39,487 ( 119.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,095, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,582.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$25,727

2025 BLS Actual

$32,345

2026 Current Est.

$33,095

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Caledonia (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Caledonia. Baseline $25,727 in 2025, projected to $33,863 by 2027.$24.1K$26.9K$29.8K$32.6K$35.5K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$25.7K$27.7K$30.7K$30.2K$32.3K$33.1K$33.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$25,727Actual
2022$27,721Actual
2023$30,667Actual
2024$30,191Actual
2025$32,345Actual
2026(current)$33,095Estimated
2027$33,863Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Caledonia, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,727 in 2021 to $32,345 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,863. New graduates entering the Caledonia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Caledonia

Employers in Caledonia typically include larger healthcare organizations, such as hospitals and corporate group practices, which are known to hire new graduates and offer structured onboarding programs. Entry-level coders can enhance their starting pay through state licensure and by pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body governing the profession. In the first 1-3 years of their career, coders should focus on building a diverse skill set, as compensation can vary widely depending on employer type and geographic dynamics. With initial salaries starting at approximately $33,095, those with the right credentials and experience might reasonably aim for increases that could push their pay toward the upper tiers within their first few years in the profession in Caledonia, WI.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Caledonia in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Caledonia start at approximately $33,095/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $15.91/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Caledonia?

Most medical coders in Caledonia progress from the entry-level salary of $33,095 to the area median of $46,827 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $72,582 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical coding school worth it in Caledonia?

With a starting salary of $33,095/year in Caledonia and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical coders recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical coders make right out of school in Caledonia?

New medical coding graduates in Caledonia typically start near the 10th percentile at $33,095/year, or approximately $15.91/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical coder in Wisconsin?

To become a licensed medical coder in Wisconsin, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wisconsin, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical coders pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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 Caledonia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Caledonia is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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