Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Keene, NH: $26,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,366 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,428) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Keene, NH, can expect to start with a salary around $26,145 in 2026, which is significantly below the city's median annual salary of $34,428. This gap represents a typical entry-level wage, suggesting that as coders gain experience, they can expect to see substantial growth in their earnings. Within the first three to five years of employment, entry-level coders can anticipate reaching the 25th percentile with an annual salary around $29,783 before progressing to the median by establishing themselves in the field. Currently, Keene presents a viable market for new grads entering this profession, offering entry-level roles that help build the foundational skills necessary for future career advancement.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level medical coders in Keene, NH typically start between $26,145 and $29,783 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,428 — 17.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 21.04% of the starting medical coder pay ($26,145/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $26,145 to $29,783, 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 Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene'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 Keene is $25,262 ( 96.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,407.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,324
2025 BLS Actual
$25,552
2026 Current Est.
$26,145
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Keene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,226 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,552 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,751 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,324 in 2021 to $25,552 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,751. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
Employment opportunities for aspiring medical coders in Keene are primarily found within larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs that are beneficial for new graduates. Obtaining relevant credentials such as state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can considerably enhance starting medical coder pay in NH. New professionals are advised to assess their career strategy closely during their first one to three years, as salaries can vary widely based on employer type, geographic market, and credential mix. Realistic salary growth expectations during these early years may lead to earnings that are competitive, but it is essential for new coders to seek additional training and education as they progress to maximize their potential in the workforce.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Keene in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Keene?
Is medical coding school worth it in Keene?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Keene?
How do I become a medical coder in New Hampshire?
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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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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