Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Cleburne, TX: $27,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Cleburne, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,463 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cleburne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,607 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,699) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical coding profession in Cleburne, Texas, the starting medical coder salary is projected to be $27,463 in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median salary of $36,699, highlighting a significant gap that early-career professionals may experience. However, new coders can expect to see their earnings grow as they gain experience, with realistic steps leading from this entry-level wage to higher tiers such as $31,504 at the 25th percentile within a few years. Given Cleburne's positive job growth rate of 2.32% annually, the outlook remains favorable for new grads entering this field, making it a viable market for those starting their careers in medical coding.
About the Cleburne Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cleburne
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 Cleburne
Entry-level medical coders in Cleburne, TX typically start between $27,463 and $31,504 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,370 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,699 — 12.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 11.65% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,463/year) in Cleburne. 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 Cleburne
- 1Research the Cleburne market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,463 to $31,504, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cleburne, 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 Cleburne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cleburne'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 Cleburne is $29,370 ( 106.94%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,463, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,833.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,349
2025 BLS Actual
$26,840
2026 Current Est.
$27,463
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Cleburne (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,349 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,003 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,447 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,100 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Cleburne, TX grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,349 in 2021 to $26,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,100. New graduates entering the Cleburne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleburne 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 Cleburne
In Cleburne, various large hospital systems and corporate group practices are key employers actively hiring new graduates for medical coder positions. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs, which are beneficial for recent grads looking to transition from education to practical application. To boost their initial earning potential, new coders in Texas might consider obtaining relevant credentials and engaging in continuing education, which can enhance their appeal to potential employers. Within the first three years, the salary progression in this field can be influenced by the type of employer and specific certifications held. Early-career professionals should set realistic expectations as they navigate their salary trajectory, which can vary based on geographic market factors and the mix of credentials. With commitment and the right educational background, those pursuing new grad medical coder pay in TX can find promising opportunities ahead.
More salary data for Cleburne, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cleburne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cleburne 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