Senior Medical Coder Salary in Scranton, PA: $52,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Scranton, PA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $52,830/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Scranton's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $56,469 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, experienced medical coders can see significant earning potential, particularly for those at the top of their field. The projected 2026 top-tier salary of $52,830 reflects a distinct opportunity for seasoned professionals, especially considering that the median annual salary sits at $35,247. This wide gap showcases the premium placed on expertise and experience, illustrating that advancements in skills and career commitment can lead to lucrative pay. To reach such heights, coders must not only hone their coding skills but also possibly pursue additional certifications and specializations relevant to the evolving healthcare landscape in Scranton.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Scranton earn between $39,888 and $52,830 per year (2026 est.). This $22,551 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Scranton median of $35,247 sits 15.8% below the US median.
Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison
| Level | Scranton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $35,247 | $41,861 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,888 | $53,059 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $52,830 | $66,426 |
In Scranton, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 49.89% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Scranton
Advanced Certifications in Pennsylvania
PA medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $35,247 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Scranton employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Scranton command premium compensation, often reaching the $39,888–$52,830 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Scranton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical coders in Scranton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Coders in Pennsylvania who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Coder Career & Wage Growth Path in Scranton
Clinical Medical Coder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Coder
5-10 yearsMedical Coder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedScranton ranks #23 of 24 Pennsylvania cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $52,830).
Top 10% medical coder compensation in Scranton ($52,830) is 18.71% below the Pennsylvania average P90 ($64,990).
2021 BLS Actual
$58,400
2025 BLS Actual
$51,632
2026 Current Est.
$52,830
2021–2027 Growth
+-7.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $58,400 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,632 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,056 | Projected |
Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Scranton saw their compensation grow -11.6% from $58,400 in 2021 to $51,632 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $54,056 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Scranton
Senior medical coder pay in PA varies notably depending on employer type and specialization. Specialized knowledge in areas such as oncology or cardiology can command higher compensation due to the complexity involved. Private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics may offer different pay structures, where larger employers might provide better salary ranges and benefits. Advancement opportunities beyond coding exist, such as roles in clinical coordination or department management, which often come with substantial pay increases. Additionally, securing advanced credentials like the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can significantly enhance earning potential. Non-salary compensation, such as shift differentials and comprehensive benefits packages, also play a vital role in attracting and retaining top talent in the local market, ensuring that senior medical coders in Scranton are well-compensated for their critical work.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical coders make in Scranton in 2026?
What drives higher medical coder pay in Scranton?
What certifications boost medical coder salary in Scranton?
Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Scranton?
How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Scranton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $51,632 for medical coders in the Scranton metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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