Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Brunswick, ME: $24,339 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Brunswick, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,339 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,437 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,866) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical coding field in Brunswick, ME can expect to earn an entry-level medical coder salary starting around $24,339. This initial figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary for the area, which stands at $30,866, creating a clear gap that new entrants should actively work to close. Over the first three to five years, those at the 25th percentile are projected to earn around $27,283, providing a realistic trajectory for income growth in this field. With a modest annual growth rate of 2.32%, the market in Brunswick offers opportunities for early-career medical coders, making it a reasonably favorable environment for recent graduates seeking to establish themselves in the profession.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level medical coders in Brunswick, ME typically start between $24,339 and $27,283 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,539 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,866 — 26.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 18.49% of the starting medical coder pay ($24,339/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $24,339 to $27,283, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $22,539 ( 92.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,339, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,878.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,920
2025 BLS Actual
$23,787
2026 Current Est.
$24,339
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Brunswick (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,553 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,339 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,904 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,920 in 2021 to $23,787 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,904. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
New graduates in Brunswick looking for entry-level positions should focus their job search on larger healthcare facilities and corporate group practices that typically offer structured onboarding processes. These employers are often more receptive to hiring inexperienced coders, providing essential training and mentorship. To enhance their starting medical coder pay in ME, new professionals should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing any relevant advanced certifications recognized by the national body for medical coding. In the first three years, salary progression can vary widely depending on the type of employer and additional credentials held, with upward movement potentially leading to a significant increase in earnings. Therefore, new coders are advised to build their credentials and seek opportunities that align with their career goals, preparing them for a more substantial financial future within this evolving industry.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is medical coding school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a medical coder in Maine?
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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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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