Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Lynn, MA: $34,324 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Lynn, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,324 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lynn's local price level (BEA RPP 108.59% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,635 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($49,090) within a few years of clinical practice.

$34,324
Starting Salary
$16.50/hr
Starting Hourly
$34,324
Entry Level
$49,090
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those considering a career as a medical coder in Lynn, Massachusetts, the entry-level opportunities present intriguing earning potential. Starting medical coder salaries for new graduates are projected at approximately $34,324 in 2026, reflecting a significant initial step into the industry. This amount is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $49,090, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. However, the earnings trajectory is promising; with dedicated effort and experience, coders can progress from the entry-level figure to around $40,633 within just a few years. This growth reflects the health care industry’s increasing demand for skilled coders, making Lynn a commendable market for new graduates aiming to establish themselves in this profession.

About the Lynn Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Lynn

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$34,324/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$40,633/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$49,090/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$62,836/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lynn

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Lynn. The median salary is $49,090, compared to the national median of $41,861.$30.9K$43.1K$55.4K$67.6K$79.9K$34.3K10th Pctl$40.6K25th Pctl$49.1KMedian$62.8K75th Pctl$76.1K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Lynn, MA typically start between $34,324 and $40,633 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,765 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $49,09017.27% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$6,500
Avg MA Program Cost
$34,324
Starting Salary
18.94%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 18.94% of the starting medical coder pay ($34,324/year) in Lynn. 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 Lynn

  • 1Research the Lynn market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $34,324 to $40,633, 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 Lynn, 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 Lynn for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lynn'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 Lynn is $41,765 ( 121.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,324, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,089.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$26,683

2025 BLS Actual

$33,546

2026 Current Est.

$34,324

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Lynn (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 Lynn. Baseline $26,683 in 2025, projected to $35,121 by 2027.$22.8K$29.6K$36.3K$43.1K$49.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.7K$28.8K$31.8K$46.0K$33.5K$34.3K$35.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$26,683Actual
2022$28,750Actual
2023$31,805Actual
2024$46,001Actual
2025$33,546Actual
2026(current)$34,324Estimated
2027$35,121Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Lynn, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,683 in 2021 to $33,546 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,121. New graduates entering the Lynn job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lynn 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 Lynn

Employers in Lynn actively seek new graduates for medical coding roles, particularly within large hospitals and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These environments are ideal for those just beginning their careers, providing support and mentorship for skill development. To advance their starting pay, new coders may consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies, both of which enhance job prospects and potential earnings. In the first three years on the job, entry-level medical coders in MA can expect meaningful salary growth, especially as they gain experience and credentials. Compensation in this field varies significantly based on employer type, geographic location, and level of certification, motivating new graduates to strategically pursue opportunities that align with their career aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical coders in Lynn start at approximately $34,324/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 $16.50/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 Lynn?

Most medical coders in Lynn progress from the entry-level salary of $34,324 to the area median of $49,090 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $76,089 (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 Lynn?

With a starting salary of $34,324/year in Lynn 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 Lynn?

New medical coding graduates in Lynn typically start near the 10th percentile at $34,324/year, or approximately $16.50/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 Lynn. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Lynn 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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