Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Dover, NH: $27,299 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Dover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,299 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,442 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,746) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical coding in Dover, New Hampshire, the starting medical coder salary is projected at $27,299 in 2026, which can be challenging when compared to the median annual salary of $34,746 for all medical coders in the area. This disparity highlights the realistic expectations for entry-level candidates—initial salaries are typically lower, but there is a growth trajectory as professionals gain experience. Over the first three to five years, many new coders can expect to see their earnings increase significantly as they reach the 25th percentile at $30,758 and eventually approach the median figure. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32%, the Dover market remains a viable option for new grads, with various opportunities for upward mobility within the profession.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dover
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 Dover
Entry-level medical coders in Dover, NH typically start between $27,299 and $30,758 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,643 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,746 — 17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 20.15% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,299/year) in Dover. 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 Dover
- 1Research the Dover market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,299 to $30,758, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dover, 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 Dover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dover'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 Dover is $24,643 ( 90.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,299, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,942.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,530
2025 BLS Actual
$26,680
2026 Current Est.
$27,299
2021–2027 Growth
+-5.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Dover (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,299 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,932 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Dover, NH grew -9.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,530 in 2021 to $26,680 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,932. New graduates entering the Dover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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 Dover
Employers in Dover who hire entry-level medical coders include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, often emphasizing structured onboarding processes to equip new graduates with necessary skills. To enhance starting pay in New Hampshire, obtaining state licensure alongside optional advanced certifications is advantageous, since these credentials are recognized by national organizations. In the first few years, early-career coders should focus on gaining relevant experience and professional certifications, as compensation can vary widely depending on employer type, location, and the mix of credentials held. New professionals can expect earnings to steadily increase within their initial years, navigating from entry-level wages to more competitive salaries as they establish their roles within the healthcare industry in Dover.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
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 Dover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dover 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