Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Peoria, IL: $30,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,950 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,925 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,813) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Peoria, the starting medical coder salary in 2026 is projected to be around $30,950, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $40,813. This gap reflects a typical starting point for entry-level roles, where fresh coders can expect to see their compensation rise steadily. Over the first three to five years, new coders in Peoria can realistically aim to progress through the salary thresholds from $30,950 up to the 25th percentile of $37,212, before potentially reaching the median. Given the local job market and the projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, Peoria appears to be a favorable environment for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in medical coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level medical coders in Peoria, IL typically start between $30,950 and $37,212 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,237 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,813 — 2.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Illinois of $5,000 represents just 16.16% of the starting medical coder pay ($30,950/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $30,950 to $37,212, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $30,237 ( 97.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,950, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,187.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,480
2025 BLS Actual
$30,248
2026 Current Est.
$30,950
2021–2027 Growth
+7.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Peoria (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,248 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,668 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 2.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,480 in 2021 to $30,248 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,668. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
Employers in Peoria that are likely to hire recent graduates typically include large hospital systems and corporate practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs to facilitate the transition into the workforce. While the entry-level medical coder salary in Peoria may initially seem modest, obtaining relevant credentials and pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance a new coder's earning potential. In Illinois, having state licensure and various advanced certifications recognized by the national professional body can give candidates a competitive edge. Within the first one to three years, salary growth expectations can be promising, as new graduates may find opportunities to increase their pay through experience and further education, particularly in a market where compensation varies depending on the employer type and the coder’s skill set.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Peoria?
Is medical coding school worth it in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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