Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Framingham, MA: $33,872 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Framingham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,872 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Framingham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,218 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,906) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical coding field in Framingham, Massachusetts, the entry-level medical coder salary is projected at $33,872 in 2026. This starting pay is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $47,906, indicating a gap that new graduates may need to consider when forming career expectations. While new coders can anticipate a phased growth in earnings, first-year compensation often begins at the lower range, which could progress to about $39,790 within the first few years. Given Framingham's stable healthcare environment, particularly with nearby hospital systems and outpatient centers, it remains a promising market for new graduates seeking their first positions in this field.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Framingham
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 Framingham
Entry-level medical coders in Framingham, MA typically start between $33,872 and $39,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,383 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,906 — 14.44% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 19.19% of the starting medical coder pay ($33,872/year) in Framingham. 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 Framingham
- 1Research the Framingham market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $33,872 to $39,790, 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 Framingham, 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 Framingham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Framingham'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 Framingham is $40,383 ( 119.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,872, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,255.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$26,331
2025 BLS Actual
$33,104
2026 Current Est.
$33,872
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Framingham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $26,331 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,386 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,388 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,104 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,872 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34,658 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Framingham, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,331 in 2021 to $33,104 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,658. New graduates entering the Framingham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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 Framingham
In Framingham, many healthcare employers offering medical coder positions tend to be large hospital networks and corporate practices that value structured onboarding for novice professionals. Achieving credentials such as certification from relevant national bodies can provide a competitive edge, potentially increasing starting medical coder pay in MA substantially. Throughout the initial years, it's vital for new coders to engage in ongoing education to enhance their qualifications, as the variance in compensation is notable among different employers based on their size and the complexity of their operations. Realistically, in the first three years, coders can expect salary growth that reflects their enhanced skills and knowledge, fostering opportunities to reach compensation levels closer to the median for the region.
More salary data for Framingham, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Framingham in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Framingham?
Is medical coding school worth it in Framingham?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Framingham?
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 Framingham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Framingham 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