Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Rawlins, WY: $22,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Rawlins, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,525 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rawlins's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,513 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,407) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rawlins, the expected entry-level medical coder salary in 2026 is projected to start at around $22,525. While this figure might initially seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $30,407, it reflects a typical range for newcomers in the field. New graduates can realistically anticipate their earnings to grow over the first few years, with potential salaries rising as they gain experience and knowledge. This gradual increase can take them from their starting point through the 25th percentile at $25,893 up to the median figure, suggesting that Rawlins presents a viable market for beginning medical coders to establish their careers.
About the Rawlins Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rawlins
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 Rawlins
Entry-level medical coders in Rawlins, WY typically start between $22,525 and $25,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,068 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,407 — 27.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 12.43% of the starting medical coder pay ($22,525/year) in Rawlins. 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 Rawlins
- 1Research the Rawlins market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $22,525 to $25,893, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Rawlins, 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 Rawlins for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rawlins'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 Rawlins is $24,068 ( 106.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,525, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,593.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,510
2025 BLS Actual
$22,014
2026 Current Est.
$22,525
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Rawlins (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,867 | Actual |
| 2023 | $20,872 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,014 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,047 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Rawlins, WY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,510 in 2021 to $22,014 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,047. New graduates entering the Rawlins job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rawlins 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 Rawlins
Opportunities for new medical coding graduates in Rawlins typically arise in larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding processes designed for entry-level hires. Those entering the field can enhance their earning potential by obtaining relevant state licensure and considering advanced certifications recognized nationally. In the critical first three years, new coders may experience significant variations in salary, driven by the type of employer and the mix of credentials they hold. Realistically, as they transition from their starting positions, an increase in pay is expected—especially for those who remain proactive in pursuing further education and professional development. Considering the dynamic nature of compensation in this profession, new coders in Wyoming should keep in mind that strategic planning in their early career can lead to favorable advancements in pay.
More salary data for Rawlins, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Rawlins. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rawlins 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