Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Faribault, MN: $23,039 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,039 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,390 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,161) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Faribault, Minnesota, the entry-level medical coder salary is projected at a starting point of $23,039 in 2026. While this initial pay is below the city's median annual salary of $31,161, it represents a realistic expectation for those just starting out. New coders can anticipate gradual salary increases over the first few years, with potential earnings rising to around $26,405 at the 25th percentile. By gaining experience and improving their skills, entry-level coders in Faribault can aim for more competitive salaries, eventually approaching the city median within three to five years. Currently, Faribault offers a stable market for entry-level positions, making it a promising place for new graduates to launch their careers.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level medical coders in Faribault, MN typically start between $23,039 and $26,405 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,436 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,161 — 25.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 18.23% of the starting medical coder pay ($23,039/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $23,039 to $26,405, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $24,436 ( 106.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,039, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,475.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,910
2025 BLS Actual
$22,517
2026 Current Est.
$23,039
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Faribault (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,298 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,538 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,039 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,574 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,910 in 2021 to $22,517 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,574. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
Employers in Faribault actively seek new talent in the medical coding field, particularly from larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs tailored to help recent graduates transition effectively into their roles. For those aiming to enhance their starting medical coder pay in MN, pursuing further credentials is advisable. Continuing education and certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly increase both job prospects and salary offerings. Newly minted coders should strategically position themselves to gain experience within their first 1-3 years; this may involve seeking opportunities in varied healthcare settings, as compensation can differ dramatically based on employer type and geographic factors. Realistic growth expectations suggest that diligent professionals can experience salary increases above the starting rate, particularly as they garner experience, learn specialized coding practices, and obtain relevant certifications.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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