Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Stephenville, TX: $27,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Stephenville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,837 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stephenville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,509) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career in medical coding in Stephenville, TX, the starting medical coder salary is projected to be around $27,837 in 2026. As new graduates enter the workforce, they can expect their initial earnings to be below the city’s median annual salary of $34,509, representing a significant gap. However, entry-level coders have opportunities for salary increases as they gain experience and skills. Within the first three to five years, they can progress from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, where coders may earn approximately $30,930. It appears that the current market for new grad medical coder pay in TX is stable, with a modest growth rate of 2.32% projected over the next five years, indicating a positive outlook for those just starting in the field.
About the Stephenville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stephenville
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 Stephenville
Entry-level medical coders in Stephenville, TX typically start between $27,837 and $30,930 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,083 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,509 — 17.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 11.50% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,837/year) in Stephenville. 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 Stephenville
- 1Research the Stephenville market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,837 to $30,930, 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 Stephenville, 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 Stephenville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stephenville'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 Stephenville is $22,083 ( 79.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,837, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,920.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,640
2025 BLS Actual
$27,206
2026 Current Est.
$27,837
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Stephenville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,316 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,647 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,483 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Stephenville, TX grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,640 in 2021 to $27,206 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,483. New graduates entering the Stephenville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stephenville 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 Stephenville
In Stephenville, various healthcare employers are looking for new graduates, particularly larger hospital systems and corporate group practices offering structured onboarding programs. These employers play a vital role in helping newcomers to the profession gain confidence and competence in their roles. Earning relevant certifications and engaging in continuing education can also significantly enhance a coder's earning potential in Texas, as state licensure and advanced credentials are recognized by the industry. For those beginning their careers, a strategic approach in the first one to three years is crucial, especially when considering that compensation can vary based on employer type and local market dynamics. With diligent effort, entry-level medical coders in this area may realistically expect salary growth as they move beyond their initial positions and solidify their expertise.
More salary data for Stephenville, 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 Stephenville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stephenville 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