Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Holyoke, MA: $33,620 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Holyoke, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,620 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holyoke's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,986 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,690) within a few years of clinical practice.

$33,620
Starting Salary
$16.17/hr
Starting Hourly
$33,620
Entry Level
$46,690
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Coder Entry Level Salary in Holyoke, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Holyoke, MA medical coder entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Graduates entering the medical coding field in Holyoke, Massachusetts, can expect to start with a salary around $33,620 in 2026. While this entry-level figure sits below the city's median annual salary of $46,690, it provides a pathway for significant salary growth over the early years of one's career. The pay scale for beginner positions progresses steadily, with the potential to reach $39,070 at the 25th percentile and, ideally, attain the median as new coders gain experience and expertise. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate in this profession, Holyoke presents a reasonably encouraging market for new graduates looking to establish a foothold in medical coding.

About the Holyoke Market

Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Holyoke

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$33,620/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$39,070/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$46,690/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$59,616/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holyoke

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Holyoke. The median salary is $46,690, compared to the national median of $41,861.$30.3K$41.7K$53.1K$64.6K$76.0K$33.6K10th Pctl$39.1K25th Pctl$46.7KMedian$59.6K75th Pctl$72.4K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Holyoke, MA typically start between $33,620 and $39,070 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,69011.54% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Holyoke metro area.

Return on Investment

$6,500
Avg MA Program Cost
$33,620
Starting Salary
19.33%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 19.33% of the starting medical coder pay ($33,620/year) in Holyoke. 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 Holyoke

  • 1Research the Holyoke market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $33,620 to $39,070, 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 Holyoke, 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 Holyoke for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Holyoke'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 Holyoke is $38,749 ( 115.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,620, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,369.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$26,135

2025 BLS Actual

$32,858

2026 Current Est.

$33,620

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Holyoke (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Holyoke. Baseline $26,135 in 2025, projected to $34,400 by 2027.$22.4K$29.0K$35.6K$42.2K$48.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.1K$28.2K$31.2K$45.0K$32.9K$33.6K$34.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$26,135Actual
2022$28,160Actual
2023$31,153Actual
2024$45,041Actual
2025$32,858Actual
2026(current)$33,620Estimated
2027$34,400Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Holyoke, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,135 in 2021 to $32,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $34,400. New graduates entering the Holyoke job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holyoke metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Holyoke

For those beginning their careers, several employers in Holyoke offer opportunities specifically tailored for recent graduates, including prominent hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that support new entrants in navigating the coding landscape. Earning state licensure, in addition to obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, can boost starting medical coder pay in MA. As new coders gain experience and refine their skills, they can realistically anticipate salary increases in the range of 10-15% within the first three years of employment. This optimistic outlook is rooted in the unique dynamics of the local market, where compensation can vary significantly depending on employer type and geographic location.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Holyoke in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Holyoke start at approximately $33,620/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $16.16/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Holyoke?

Most medical coders in Holyoke progress from the entry-level salary of $33,620 to the area median of $46,690 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $72,369 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical coding school worth it in Holyoke?

With a starting salary of $33,620/year in Holyoke and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical coders recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical coders make right out of school in Holyoke?

New medical coding graduates in Holyoke typically start near the 10th percentile at $33,620/year, or approximately $16.16/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical coder in Massachusetts?

To become a licensed medical coder in Massachusetts, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Massachusetts, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical coders pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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 Holyoke. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Holyoke is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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