Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Clinton, UT: $27,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Clinton, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,439 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Clinton's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $27,970 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,803) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level medical coder salary in Clinton, UT is projected to start around $27,439, which is significantly lower than the city median of $34,803. New graduates can expect to face a challenging initial compensation, particularly as they establish their careers in the field. The pay range extends up to $52,915 at the 90th percentile, suggesting potential for salary growth as coders gain experience. Over the first three to five years, new professionals can transition from the starting salary to approximately $30,732 at the 25th percentile, moving steadily towards the city's median. Overall, Clinton shows a competitive yet modest market for medical coders just entering the profession, with plenty of room for advancement as skills and experience accumulate.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Clinton
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 Clinton
Entry-level medical coders in Clinton, UT typically start between $27,439 and $30,732 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,476 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,803 — 16.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 11.66% of the starting medical coder pay ($27,439/year) in Clinton. 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 Clinton
- 1Research the Clinton market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $27,439 to $30,732, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Clinton, 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 Clinton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Clinton'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 Clinton is $25,476 ( 92.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,439, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,915.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,330
2025 BLS Actual
$26,817
2026 Current Est.
$27,439
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Clinton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,983 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,425 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,798 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,076 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Clinton, UT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,330 in 2021 to $26,817 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,076. New graduates entering the Clinton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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 Clinton
Employers in Clinton that typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate medical group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs tailored to early-career coders. These environments can provide an excellent foundation for professional growth. Credentials such as state licensure and optional advanced certifications from recognized bodies can significantly influence earning potential and enhance job security. New coders should focus on gaining practical experience and considering additional certifications during their first few years; this strategy will help facilitate career advancement and a higher salary trajectory. In this specific market, early-career medical coders might expect their compensation to increase year on year, given the 2.32% projected growth rate, which reflects ongoing demand for skilled personnel in healthcare coding roles.
More salary data for Clinton, UT:
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 Clinton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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