Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Ogden, UT: $25,719 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Ogden, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,719 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ogden's local price level (BEA RPP 100.30% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,630 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,337) within a few years of clinical practice.

$25,719
Starting Salary
$12.37/hr
Starting Hourly
$25,719
Entry Level
$35,337
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Coder Entry Level Salary in Ogden, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Ogden, UT medical coder entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Entering the medical coding field in Ogden, UT, comes with notable earnings potential for new grads. Starting salaries for entry-level positions are projected to be around $25,719 in 2026, which sets a foundation for young professionals just stepping into their careers. This initial figure is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $35,337, emphasizing the gap that new coders face in the early stages of their careers. However, with the data suggesting a growth trajectory from the entry-level figure to approximately $29,255 at the 25th percentile, early-career professionals can expect an upward climb over the first three to five years. Overall, Ogden remains a viable market for new graduates due to steady local demand in the healthcare field, making it an appealing option for those considering a path in medical coding.

Career Earnings Timeline in Ogden

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$25,719/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$29,255/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$35,337/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$42,344/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ogden

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Ogden. The median salary is $35,337, compared to the national median of $41,861.$23.1K$30.2K$37.3K$44.3K$51.4K$25.7K10th Pctl$29.3K25th Pctl$35.3KMedian$42.3K75th Pctl$48.9K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Ogden, UT typically start between $25,719 and $29,255 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,206 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,33715.58% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical coder pay in the Ogden metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,200
Avg UT Program Cost
$25,719
Starting Salary
12.44%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 12.44% of the starting medical coder pay ($25,719/year) in Ogden. 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 Ogden

  • 1Research the Ogden market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $25,719 to $29,255, 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 Ogden, 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 Ogden for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Ogden'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 Ogden is $23,206 ( 90.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,719, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,925.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$29,010

2025 BLS Actual

$25,136

2026 Current Est.

$25,719

2021–2027 Growth

+-9.3%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Ogden (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical coders in Ogden. Baseline $29,010 in 2025, projected to $26,316 by 2027.$22.8K$26.9K$30.9K$34.9K$38.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.0K$29.8K$34.0K$36.6K$25.1K$25.7K$26.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$29,010Actual
2022$29,840Actual
2023$33,950Actual
2024$36,620Actual
2025$25,136Actual
2026(current)$25,719Estimated
2027$26,316Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Ogden, UT grew -13.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,010 in 2021 to $25,136 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,316. New graduates entering the Ogden job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ogden metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Ogden

Several employers in Ogden are known for hiring recent graduates for medical coding roles, with large hospital systems and corporate group practices leading the way. These organizations often offer structured onboarding programs, providing a supportive environment for fresh entries into the field. To enhance their starting medical coder salary in Ogden, new professionals should consider obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national coding body. Building credentials early in their careers can significantly influence pay and job opportunities. As entry-level pay varies based on employer types and geographic nuances, new coders can realistically expect gradual salary increases in their first three years. By capitalizing on available resources and networking within the local healthcare community, recent graduates can position themselves for better compensation in the evolving market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Ogden in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Ogden start at approximately $25,719/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $12.36/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Ogden?

Most medical coders in Ogden progress from the entry-level salary of $25,719 to the area median of $35,337 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $48,925 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical coding school worth it in Ogden?

With a starting salary of $25,719/year in Ogden and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical coders recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical coders make right out of school in Ogden?

New medical coding graduates in Ogden typically start near the 10th percentile at $25,719/year, or approximately $12.36/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical coder in Utah?

To become a licensed medical coder in Utah, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical coders pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Chen, CPC, CCSData verified by Maria Gonzales, CPC, CCA

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 Ogden. 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

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