Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Derby, KS: $22,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,088 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,299 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,020) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Derby, KS can expect an entry level medical coder salary Derby of around $22,088 according to projections for 2026. This starting pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $30,020, highlighting a gap that entry-level coders will need to bridge as they gain experience and skills. Over the first 3-5 years in the profession, coders may realistically progress from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, reaching around $25,468 annually. While these figures may seem modest in comparison to the national average of $41,861, it's essential to consider Derby's cost of living, which remains below the national average. Consequently, the local job market may present favorable opportunities for new grads, especially as demand for medical coders continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.32%.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level medical coders in Derby, KS typically start between $22,088 and $25,468 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,014 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,020 — 28.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 12.68% of the starting medical coder pay ($22,088/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $22,088 to $25,468, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby'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 Derby is $24,014 ( 108.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,088, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,102.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,170
2025 BLS Actual
$21,587
2026 Current Est.
$22,088
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Derby (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,170 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $20,467 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,851 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,587 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,600 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,170 in 2021 to $21,587 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,600. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
In Derby, structured onboarding programs at larger hospitals and corporate group practices often welcome new graduates with open arms. These employers not only provide essential training but may also focus on hiring entry-level positions with the potential for growth. To enhance starting medical coder pay KS, new professionals should consider obtaining relevant credentials, such as state licensure and advanced certifications recognized by the national body. Being proactive about continuing education can lead to salary increases in the first few years, especially as coders build experience and competencies. Realistically, many entry-level coders in this market might expect their salaries to rise gradually as they transition from entry-level roles to more advanced positions within 1 to 3 years, provided they embrace opportunities for professional development and networking within the community.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Derby in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Derby?
Is medical coding school worth it in Derby?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a medical coder in Kansas?
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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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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