Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Everett, WA: $33,104 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Everett, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,104 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Everett's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $30,823 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,519) within a few years of clinical practice.

$33,104
Starting Salary
$15.91/hr
Starting Hourly
$33,104
Entry Level
$48,519
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In 2026, the entry-level medical coder salary in Everett, WA, offers a starting pay at the lower end around $33,104. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $48,519 in the city, new graduates should recognize the potential for growth over time. The trajectory from entry-level pay through to more experienced positions can provide a significant increase within just a few years, moving from $39,537 at the 25th percentile up to the median salary. With a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Everett presents a competitive market for newcomers looking to build their careers in medical coding, indicating that those willing to invest in their development may find rewarding opportunities.

About the Everett Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Everett

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$33,104/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$39,537/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$48,519/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$62,104/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Everett

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Everett. The median salary is $48,519, compared to the national median of $41,861.$29.8K$42.1K$54.4K$66.7K$79.0K$33.1K10th Pctl$39.5K25th Pctl$48.5KMedian$62.1K75th Pctl$75.2K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Everett, WA typically start between $33,104 and $39,537 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $42,100 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,51915.91% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$4,800
Avg WA Program Cost
$33,104
Starting Salary
14.50%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 14.50% of the starting medical coder pay ($33,104/year) in Everett. 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 Everett

  • 1Research the Everett market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $33,104 to $39,537, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Everett, 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 Everett for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Everett'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 Everett is $42,100 ( 127.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,104, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,204.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$25,734

2025 BLS Actual

$32,353

2026 Current Est.

$33,104

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Everett (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 Everett. Baseline $25,734 in 2025, projected to $33,872 by 2027.$21.8K$28.7K$35.6K$42.5K$49.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$25.7K$27.7K$30.7K$45.4K$32.4K$33.1K$33.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$25,734Actual
2022$27,727Actual
2023$30,674Actual
2024$45,406Actual
2025$32,353Actual
2026(current)$33,104Estimated
2027$33,872Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Everett, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,734 in 2021 to $32,353 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,872. New graduates entering the Everett job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Everett 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 Everett

Employers in Everett that are most likely to hire recent graduates include major hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs tailored for new medical coders. Obtaining the right credentials can significantly influence starting medical coder pay in WA, making it advantageous for newcomers to consider state licensure and advanced certifications from recognized professional bodies. During the first three years in the field, salary growth is expected to be realistic; compensation varies according to employer type and geographic location. For new medical coders, focusing on gaining experience and pursuing additional training can lead to substantial pay increases beyond entry-level wages, solidifying their career advancement in the healthcare sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical coders in Everett start at approximately $33,104/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 $15.92/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 Everett?

Most medical coders in Everett progress from the entry-level salary of $33,104 to the area median of $48,519 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $75,204 (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 Everett?

With a starting salary of $33,104/year in Everett 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 Everett?

New medical coding graduates in Everett typically start near the 10th percentile at $33,104/year, or approximately $15.92/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 Washington?

To become a licensed medical coder in Washington, 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 Washington, 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 Washington

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 Everett. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Everett is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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