Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Braintree, MA: $35,908 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Braintree, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,908 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Braintree's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,095 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,130) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting out as medical coders in Braintree, Massachusetts, the 2026 entry-level salary expectations are quite favorable. New graduates can anticipate an initial pay around $35,908, which is significantly lower than the city's overall median of $46,130. However, there is a promising growth trajectory to consider; entry-level coders can potentially advance to $40,733 within a few years, eventually reaching the median salary with experience. Given the entry-level projections, Braintree appears to be a reasonable market for fresh graduates looking to embark on a career in medical coding, especially considering that the starting medical coder salary in Braintree is approximately 10.20% higher than the national average.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Braintree
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 Braintree
Entry-level medical coders in Braintree, MA typically start between $35,908 and $40,733 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,593 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,130 — 10.2% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 18.10% of the starting medical coder pay ($35,908/year) in Braintree. 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 Braintree
- 1Research the Braintree market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $35,908 to $40,733, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Braintree, 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 Braintree for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Braintree'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 Braintree is $35,593 ( 99.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,908, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,501.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,914
2025 BLS Actual
$35,094
2026 Current Est.
$35,908
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Braintree (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,077 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,166 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,908 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,741 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Braintree, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,914 in 2021 to $35,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,741. New graduates entering the Braintree job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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 Braintree
In Braintree, various healthcare organizations actively hire new graduates, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. Taking advantage of state licensure and pursuing additional certifications can significantly enhance starting pay in MA. Over the first few years, medical coders may experience varied compensation growth depending on the type of employer and geographic market dynamics. Typically, ambitious new coders focused on obtaining further credentials can expect their salaries to rise steadily. During years one through three, it’s realistic for entry-level salary expectations to shift proportionately, aligning more closely with the upper percentiles of entry-level medical coder salaries in Braintree and improving career trajectories within the industry.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Braintree in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Braintree?
Is medical coding school worth it in Braintree?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Braintree?
How do I become a medical coder in Massachusetts?
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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 Braintree. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Braintree 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