Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Scranton, PA: $30,279 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,279 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,365 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,247) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting a career as a medical coder in Scranton, Pennsylvania, presents new graduates with realistic expectations for entry-level salaries. In 2026, the starting medical coder salary in Scranton is projected at $30,279, which falls below the city's median annual salary of $35,247. This initial figure reflects a gap that entry-level coders can potentially close over the first few years, as they gain experience and advance to the 25th percentile salary of $31,392. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, new coders can look forward to growth over a 5-year span as they establish themselves in the healthcare field. Scranton remains a viable market for recent graduates, given its cost of living index of 93.556, which is below the national average, making entry-level positions more accessible financially.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level medical coders in Scranton, PA typically start between $30,279 and $31,392 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,551 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,247 — 15.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Pennsylvania of $5,500 represents just 18.16% of the starting medical coder pay ($30,279/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $30,279 to $31,392, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton'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 Scranton is $22,551 ( 74.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,279, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,830.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,720
2025 BLS Actual
$29,592
2026 Current Est.
$30,279
2021–2027 Growth
+7.9%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Scranton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,279 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,981 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 3.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,720 in 2021 to $29,592 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,981. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Employers in Scranton that hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices known for their structured onboarding programs. These organizations often actively seek out newly-minted medical coders who possess relevant credentials. In Pennsylvania, state licensure is essential, while optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies can significantly enhance starting pay. For those embarking on their first few years in this profession, joining associations and pursuing continuing education can be key strategies. Salary expectations during years one to three can vary based on the type of employer, geographic market conditions, and the coder's mix of credentials. Growth potential in Scranton typically aligns with localized salary funding, allowing new grads to increase their earning potential gradually while they build valuable experience in the healthcare sector.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Scranton in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Scranton?
Is medical coding school worth it in Scranton?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Scranton?
How do I become a medical coder in Pennsylvania?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
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 Scranton. 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