Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Payson, UT: $25,784 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,784 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,283 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,346) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting medical coder salary in Payson, UT, for entry-level positions is projected at $25,784 in 2026. This amount represents the lower spectrum of pay, and most new graduates might find their initial earnings closer to this level as they step into their first roles. While the median annual salary for all medical coders in the area is $35,346, entry-level positions reflect a significant gap compared to that figure. Over the first few years in the field, new graduates can expect gradual increases, moving from the entry-rate to $31,884 at the 25th percentile, eventually closing in on the median as they gain experience and skills. Given the current salary trends, Payson remains a reasonable market for newcomers looking to start their careers in medical coding despite the lower-than-national average pay, especially when comparing to the 2026 national median of $41,861.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level medical coders in Payson, UT typically start between $25,784 and $31,884 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,655 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,346 — 15.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 12.41% of the starting medical coder pay ($25,784/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $25,784 to $31,884, 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 Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $25,655 ( 99.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,784, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,439.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,043
2025 BLS Actual
$25,199
2026 Current Est.
$25,784
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Payson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,596 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,891 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,199 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,382 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,043 in 2021 to $25,199 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,382. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
Employment opportunities for new grad medical coders in Payson typically arise from large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs suited for recent graduates. To enhance their starting pay in Utah, new coders should pursue state licensure and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized by the national professional organizations. These credentials can set candidates apart and lead to higher starting salaries. In the first three years of employment, those entering the field can realistically expect salary growth through merit increases or promotions, influenced by employer type and geographic demand. The compensation can vary significantly based on previous experiences and credentials. Overall, entry-level positions will serve as a launching point, allowing motivated professionals to develop their careers while navigating the evolving healthcare landscape in Payson.
More salary data for Payson, 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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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