Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Delaware, OH: $28,497 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Delaware, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,497 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Delaware's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,419 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,605) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, Ohio, new graduates aspiring to enter the medical coding field can expect an entry-level medical coder salary around $28,497, significantly below the city median of $38,605. This starting pay illustrates a notable gap, suggesting that while early-career roles may provide an accessible entry point, the financial rewards will take time to grow. With a potential trajectory from about $28,497 to $34,314 as experience accumulates, it is realistic for entry-level coders to aim for better compensation within their first few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32%, the market in Delaware appears to maintain steady prospects for aspiring coders, highlighting the importance of strategic career planning to bridge the salary gap over time.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Delaware
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 Delaware
Entry-level medical coders in Delaware, OH typically start between $28,497 and $34,314 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,436 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,605 — 7.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 13.33% of the starting medical coder pay ($28,497/year) in Delaware. 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 Delaware
- 1Research the Delaware market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $28,497 to $34,314, 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 Delaware, 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 Delaware for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Delaware'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 Delaware is $29,436 ( 103.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,497, experienced hygienists can earn up to $57,933.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$22,153
2025 BLS Actual
$27,851
2026 Current Est.
$28,497
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Delaware (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22,153 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,869 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,851 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,497 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,158 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Delaware, OH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,153 in 2021 to $27,851 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,158. New graduates entering the Delaware job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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 Delaware
Employers in Delaware frequently hire new graduates through established large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs tailored for entry-level medical coders. Pursuing state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can significantly enhance starting medical coder pay in Ohio. Within the first three years in this field, salary growth may vary widely due to different employer types and geographic market factors. Generally, new graduates can anticipate modest pay increases as they build their skills and credentials. This underscores the importance of networking and continuing education in navigating the evolving requirements of medical coding careers in Delaware, Ohio. While entry-level positions may start at a modest sum, there is clear potential for growth, especially when leveraging additional certifications.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Delaware in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Delaware?
Is medical coding school worth it in Delaware?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Delaware?
How do I become a medical coder in Ohio?
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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 Delaware. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Delaware 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