Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Pleasant Prairie, WI: $34,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Pleasant Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,326 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pleasant Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,752 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,902) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, can expect a starting medical coder salary of around $34,326 in 2026. When considering the median annual salary for this position, which stands at $45,902, new coders face a significant gap in earnings. However, with experience and professional development, entry-level coders can reasonably anticipate advancing to the 25th percentile, earning approximately $39,214 within their first few years. The market for medical coders in Pleasant Prairie offers a growth trajectory that allows for ongoing upward mobility, making it a viable option for recent graduates looking to establish a career in healthcare.
About the Pleasant Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pleasant Prairie
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 Pleasant Prairie
Entry-level medical coders in Pleasant Prairie, WI typically start between $34,326 and $39,214 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,064 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,902 — 9.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 10.20% of the starting medical coder pay ($34,326/year) in Pleasant Prairie. 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 Pleasant Prairie
- 1Research the Pleasant Prairie market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $34,326 to $39,214, 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 Pleasant Prairie, 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 Pleasant Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pleasant Prairie'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 Pleasant Prairie is $36,064 ( 105.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,326, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,390.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,684
2025 BLS Actual
$33,548
2026 Current Est.
$34,326
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Pleasant Prairie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,807 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,327 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,123 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Pleasant Prairie, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,684 in 2021 to $33,548 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,123. New graduates entering the Pleasant Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pleasant Prairie 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 Pleasant Prairie
For new graduates seeking opportunities in Pleasant Prairie, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are among the primary employers that often have structured onboarding programs tailored for entry-level medical coders. To enhance earning potential, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by national accrediting bodies can significantly improve starting pay in Wisconsin. During the initial years of their career, early-career coders should focus on building a diverse skill set and gaining experience, as compensation can vary markedly based on the type of employer and geographic market. As they progress, medical coders can expect their salaries to increase steadily within their first three years, aligning with the average growth rate of 2.32% annually in this field.
More salary data for Pleasant Prairie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is medical coding school worth it in Pleasant Prairie?
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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 Pleasant Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pleasant Prairie 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