Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Lorain, OH: $27,288 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Lorain, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,288 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lorain's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,086 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($39,516) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting medical coder salary in Lorain, OH, can be quite competitive for new graduates entering the field in 2026, with entry-level positions projected to pay about $27,288. This figure is distinctively lower than the city median salary of $39,516, indicating a notable gap that often reflects the experience and the skill set possessed by new graduates. Fresh entrants can anticipate a gradual pay scale progression, moving from the entry-level wage toward the P25 figure of $34,734 within the first few years. For those assessing the market, Lorain currently presents a decent opportunity for new coders, thanks to a projected growth rate of 2.32%, which bodes well for job stability and availability as graduates transition into the workforce.
About the Lorain Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lorain
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 Lorain
Entry-level medical coders in Lorain, OH typically start between $27,288 and $34,734 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,962 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $39,516 — 5.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 13.93% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,288/year) in Lorain. 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 Lorain
- 1Research the Lorain market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,288 to $34,734, 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 Lorain, 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 Lorain for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lorain'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 Lorain is $33,962 ( 124.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,288, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,250.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,213
2025 BLS Actual
$26,669
2026 Current Est.
$27,288
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Lorain (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,213 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,856 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,669 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,288 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,921 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Lorain, OH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,213 in 2021 to $26,669 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,921. New graduates entering the Lorain job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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 Lorain
In Lorain, major hospital systems and corporate group practices are among the primary employers for newly graduated medical coders, offering well-structured onboarding processes that are advantageous for inexperienced professionals. Graduating from accredited programs and obtaining state licensure can significantly boost the new grad medical coder pay in OH, along with optional advanced certifications that add to one’s credentials. The industry shows variability in pay based on employer type, which means that strategic choices in job applications matter. Entry-level coders in their first three years can expect realistic salary growth as they build their expertise, potentially aligning their earnings closer to the median as they gain valuable experience and possibly move up to roles that compensate in the range of $49,549. Overall, focusing on skill refinement and pursuing additional certifications during those formative years will enhance a new coder's marketability and future earning potential in Lorain.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Lorain in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Lorain?
Is medical coding school worth it in Lorain?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Lorain?
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 Lorain. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lorain 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