Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Kent, WA: $34,977 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,977 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $32,567 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,663) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical coding profession in Kent, Washington, can expect a starting salary range, with the lowest 10% earning around $34,977 and those on the higher end of the entry-level scale seeing compensation around $40,666, according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. The median annual salary in the city stands at $47,663, which indicates a significant gap for new coders. While starting medical coder salaries in Kent may appear modest compared to the city median, there is a realistic pathway for growth, with potential earnings reaching the median within the first three to five years. Given the expected growth rate of 2.32% annually, the Kent job market remains favorable for aspiring medical coders in 2026, presenting opportunities for recent graduates looking to carve out a place in the healthcare landscape.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level medical coders in Kent, WA typically start between $34,977 and $40,666 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,900 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,663 — 13.86% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 13.72% of the starting medical coder pay ($34,977/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $34,977 to $40,666, 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 Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $38,900 ( 111.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,977, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,877.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,190
2025 BLS Actual
$34,184
2026 Current Est.
$34,977
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Kent (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,297 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,977 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,789 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,190 in 2021 to $34,184 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,789. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
Employers in Kent typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively recruit recent graduates. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs that are invaluable for new medical coders, facilitating a smoother transition into the workforce. To enhance starting medical coder pay in WA, gaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can make candidates more competitive in a growing field. In the first 1-3 years, new coders should focus on gaining experience and building their skills, as salaries can vary based on employer types and geographic factors. With a commitment to professional development, new coders in Kent can realistically anticipate growth in their earning potential as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Kent in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Kent?
Is medical coding school worth it in Kent?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Kent?
How do I become a medical coder in Washington?
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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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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