Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Providence, RI: $35,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Providence, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,247 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Providence's local price level (BEA RPP 101.8 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,633 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,775) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding field in Providence, RI, can expect to start with salaries closer to the lower end of the scale, with entry-level pay projected at $35,247 in 2026. This starting medical coder salary in Providence reflects a significant gap when compared to the median annual salary of $50,775 for the area. Ambitious new coders may anticipate salary growth over their first few years, moving from entry-level roles to positions that pay around $39,897, and ultimately achieving the median within three to five years. Overall, the job market in Providence appears favorable, making it a solid choice for new graduates entering this profession right now.
Career Earnings Timeline in Providence
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 Providence
Entry-level medical coders in Providence, RI typically start between $35,247 and $39,897 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,954 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,775 — 21.29% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Rhode Island of $5,500 represents just 15.60% of the starting medical coder pay ($35,247/year) in Providence. 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 Providence
- 1Research the Providence market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $35,247 to $39,897, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Providence, 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 Providence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Providence's moderate 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 Providence is $33,954 ( 96.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,247, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,201.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,120
2025 BLS Actual
$34,448
2026 Current Est.
$35,247
2021–2027 Growth
+-0.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Providence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,065 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Providence, RI grew -4.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,120 in 2021 to $34,448 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,065. New graduates entering the Providence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Providence 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 Providence
Prospective employers in Providence typically include larger hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs for new graduates. These institutions recognize the value of state licensure and may also prefer candidates who pursue advanced certifications offered by national organizations. Starting out, it’s wise for new coders to engage in continuous education to enhance their credentials, which can significantly affect initial pay. Within the first three years, salary growth can be quite variable; new grads often see increments aligned with the type of organization they work for and the specific geographic factors at play in Rhode Island. With diligent effort, those in entry-level positions could quickly ascend the pay scale, including movement from beginner roles to more rewarding opportunities within their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Providence, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Providence?
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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 Providence. 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