Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Kingsport, TN: $25,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,711 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 86.4 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,742 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,515) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kingsport, Tennessee, new graduates pursuing a career as medical coders can expect a starting salary around $25,711, which positions them significantly below the overall city median salary of $37,515. This gap presents both a challenge and an opportunity for those entering the field. Over the initial 3 to 5 years, driven by experience and skill development, there is the potential for earnings to rise, moving from the entry-level range toward the 25th percentile at $30,238 and eventually reaching the median. Given the current market trends and the modest growth projected at 2.32% annually, Kingsport appears to be a stable environment for entry-level medical coders, making it a reasonable choice for new graduates looking to build their careers in the healthcare industry.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport
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 Kingsport
Entry-level medical coders in Kingsport, TN typically start between $25,711 and $30,238 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,515 — 10.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Tennessee of $3,200 represents just 12.45% of the starting medical coder pay ($25,711/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport
- 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $25,711 to $30,238, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $26,259 ( 102.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,711, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,970.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,880
2025 BLS Actual
$25,128
2026 Current Est.
$25,711
2021–2027 Growth
+-5.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Kingsport (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,510 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,307 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew -9.9% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,880 in 2021 to $25,128 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,307. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
Employers in Kingsport, such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices, often seek new medical coders and provide structured onboarding programs that can ease the transition into the profession. Credentials can be essential for maximizing entry-level medical coder salaries in TN; while state licensure is necessary, obtaining advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly enhance one’s marketability. In the first few years, coders can realistically anticipate gradual salary growth, particularly if they align themselves with larger healthcare facilities that offer competitive pay and opportunities for advancement. The exact pay will differ based on employer type and the coder's credential mix, but those who invest in ongoing education and certification are likely to see more substantial increases in their pay within the initial years, setting a solid foundation for a long-term career in the field.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Kingsport?
Is medical coding school worth it in Kingsport?
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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 Kingsport. 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