Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Wadsworth, OH: $28,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Wadsworth, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,078 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wadsworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,957 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,042) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wadsworth, Ohio, new graduates entering the field of medical coding can expect a starting medical coder salary around $28,078 in 2026. This figure is considerably lower than the city's median annual salary of $36,042, indicating a significant gap for entry-level positions. However, as early-career coders gain experience, they can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving from the entry-level range to the 25th percentile at $31,694 within three to five years of starting their careers. This makes Wadsworth a reasonably accessible market for new graduates, especially given the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, which may enhance job stability and opportunities for salary advancement over time.
About the Wadsworth Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wadsworth
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 Wadsworth
Entry-level medical coders in Wadsworth, OH typically start between $28,078 and $31,694 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,285 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,042 — 13.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 13.53% of the starting medical coder pay ($28,078/year) in Wadsworth. 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 Wadsworth
- 1Research the Wadsworth market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $28,078 to $31,694, 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 Wadsworth, 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 Wadsworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wadsworth'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 Wadsworth is $25,285 ( 90.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,078, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,363.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,827
2025 BLS Actual
$27,441
2026 Current Est.
$28,078
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Wadsworth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,518 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,017 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,441 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,729 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Wadsworth, OH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,827 in 2021 to $27,441 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,729. New graduates entering the Wadsworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wadsworth 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 Wadsworth
As new entrants in the medical coding profession, individuals in Wadsworth should aim to seek employment with larger hospital systems or corporate group practices that are known to hire new graduates and offer structured onboarding programs. These employers often provide the training and mentorship necessary for newcomers to thrive in their roles. Additionally, obtaining credentials such as state licensure and optionally pursuing advanced certifications can help boost starting pay in Ohio. Career strategies for the first few years should focus on building experience and enhancing skill sets, as compensation can vary significantly depending on the type of employer and credentials held. Realistically, coders may aim for salary growth in the range of $31,694 to $36,042 in their initial years, setting a strong foundation for future career advancement within this vital healthcare sector.
More salary data for Wadsworth, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Wadsworth in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Wadsworth?
Is medical coding school worth it in Wadsworth?
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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 Wadsworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wadsworth 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