Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Provo, UT: $25,555 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Provo, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,555 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Provo's local price level (BEA RPP 98.2 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,015 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,393) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Provo, UT, new graduates entering the medical coding field can expect a starting salary of around $25,555. This figure establishes a clear contrast with the overall median salary for medical coders in the area, which stands at $36,393. Newly licensed coders will likely experience a financial trajectory that begins at the lower end of the pay scale and can gradually increase to the 25th percentile of $30,058 within a few years. Considering the city's current economic landscape and a projected 2.32% annual growth rate, Provo appears to be a viable market for entry-level positions in this profession, allowing new graduates the opportunity to gain experience and build their careers in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Provo
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 Provo
Entry-level medical coders in Provo, UT typically start between $25,555 and $30,058 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,393 — 13.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 12.52% of the starting medical coder pay ($25,555/year) in Provo. 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 Provo
- 1Research the Provo market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $25,555 to $30,058, 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 Provo, 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 Provo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Provo'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 Provo is $24,606 ( 96.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,555, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,161.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,340
2025 BLS Actual
$24,976
2026 Current Est.
$25,555
2021–2027 Growth
+-7.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Provo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,976 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,555 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,148 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Provo, UT grew -11.9% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,340 in 2021 to $24,976 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,148. New graduates entering the Provo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Provo 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 Provo
A number of employers in Provo actively seek new graduate medical coders, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices known for offering structured onboarding processes. This initial support can greatly enhance early-career development. To boost their starting medical coder pay in UT, new coders are encouraged to pursue state licensure and consider additional certifications recognized by the national professional body, which can lead to better compensation. In the first three years of their careers, those entering this field can anticipate salary increases that reflect their growing experience and credential attainment, helping them move towards more competitive pay in the local market. Focusing on skill development and networking within local healthcare communities will be crucial for long-term career advancement in Provo's medical coding sector.
More salary data for Provo, 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 Provo. 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