Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Franklin, WI: $36,058 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,058 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,606 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,456) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of medical coding in Franklin, Wisconsin, can expect a starting medical coder salary of approximately $36,058 in 2026. This figure is just below the city median annual salary of $46,456, indicating a notable gap that early career professionals will need to navigate. Within the first few years of employment, entry-level coders can look forward to an upward trajectory as they gain experience; those starting at the P10 level often move towards the P25 mark of $39,767, and potentially reach the city's median as they build their skills. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate, the Franklin market currently presents solid opportunities for new grads looking to begin their careers in this field.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level medical coders in Franklin, WI typically start between $36,058 and $39,767 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,733 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,456 — 10.98% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 9.71% of the starting medical coder pay ($36,058/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $36,058 to $39,767, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average 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 Franklin is $35,733 ( 99.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,058, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,791.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,030
2025 BLS Actual
$35,240
2026 Current Est.
$36,058
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Franklin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,202 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,058 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,894 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,030 in 2021 to $35,240 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,894. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Employers in Franklin that typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding processes. These employment settings are advantageous for new coders, allowing them to develop their expertise while still receiving competitive compensation. In Wisconsin, obtaining relevant credentials such as state licensure and optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can significantly boost starting medical coder pay. Within the first few years, coders may increase their earnings through skill development and by pursuing specialized training. It's essential for new entrants in this profession to be strategic about their career paths and to understand that compensation can differ widely based on employer type, geographic location, and individual qualifications. Prospective coders should realistically aim for steady salary growth as they advance their careers.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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