Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Akron, OH: $31,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Akron, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,310 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Akron's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,533 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,502) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Akron, Ohio, the expected starting medical coder salary is approximately $31,310 in 2026. This entry-level pay falls short of the city's median annual salary of $40,502, highlighting a significant gap for early-career professionals. However, the potential for salary growth is promising, as new coders can reasonably anticipate increases as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, salaries can rise to $36,066 at the 25th percentile, ultimately approaching the median as professionals become more established in the field. Given these figures, Akron presents a stable market for new graduates looking to secure their first positions in medical coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Akron
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 Akron
Entry-level medical coders in Akron, OH typically start between $31,310 and $36,066 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,141 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,502 — 3.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 12.14% of the starting medical coder pay ($31,310/year) in Akron. 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 Akron
- 1Research the Akron market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $31,310 to $36,066, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Akron, 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 Akron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Akron's below-average 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 Akron is $29,141 ( 93.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,310, experienced hygienists can earn up to $60,451.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,030
2025 BLS Actual
$30,600
2026 Current Est.
$31,310
2021–2027 Growth
+10.4%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,036 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Akron, OH grew 5.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,030 in 2021 to $30,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,036. New graduates entering the Akron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
Employment opportunities for entry-level medical coders in Akron are often available through large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit recent graduates. These employers typically offer structured onboarding programs, which are beneficial for those just beginning their careers. Graduates who pursue state licensure and optional advanced certifications may also find they are not only more competitive but can command higher starting salaries in Ohio. In the first three years of their careers, new coders in Akron can expect their salaries to vary widely depending on employer type, geographic factors, and their combination of credentials. Consequently, an entry-level medical coder's pay can show considerable variation based on these factors, making professional development and strategic career planning essential for maximizing earning potential in the region.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 Akron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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