Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Green Bay, WI: $37,646 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Green Bay, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,646 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Green Bay's local price level (BEA RPP 93.17% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $40,442 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,442) within a few years of clinical practice.

$37,646
Starting Salary
$18.10/hr
Starting Hourly
$37,646
Entry Level
$42,442
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

In 2026, the starting medical coder salary in Green Bay, WI, is expected to be around $37,646, marking a competitive entry point for new graduates in the healthcare field. While this figure sits below the median annual salary of $42,442 for the city, it reflects realistic expectations for fresh entrants to the profession. Over the initial 3-5 years, there is a growth trajectory allowing new coders to earn more as they gain experience and credential recognition; after a few years, pay can reach up to $38,972 at the 25th percentile or even higher as responsibilities increase. For recent graduates considering this healthcare career, Green Bay appears to be a favorable market, providing solid growth opportunities against the backdrop of a projected 2.32% annual increase in the field.

Career Earnings Timeline in Green Bay

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$37,646/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$38,972/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$42,442/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$51,266/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Green Bay

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Green Bay. The median salary is $42,442, compared to the national median of $41,861.$33.9K$41.5K$49.1K$56.6K$64.2K$37.6K10th Pctl$39.0K25th Pctl$42.4KMedian$51.3K75th Pctl$61.2K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Green Bay, WI typically start between $37,646 and $38,972 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,517 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,4421.39% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$37,646
Starting Salary
9.30%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 9.30% of the starting medical coder pay ($37,646/year) in Green Bay. 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 Green Bay

  • 1Research the Green Bay market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $37,646 to $38,972, 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 Green Bay, 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 Green Bay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Green Bay'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 Green Bay is $23,517 ( 62.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,646, experienced hygienists can earn up to $61,163.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$36,920

2025 BLS Actual

$36,792

2026 Current Est.

$37,646

2021–2027 Growth

+4.3%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Green Bay (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 Green Bay. Baseline $36,920 in 2025, projected to $38,519 by 2027.$34.7K$35.8K$37.0K$38.1K$39.2K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.9K$35.3K$37.6K$38.6K$36.8K$37.6K$38.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$36,920Actual
2022$35,340Actual
2023$37,560Actual
2024$38,580Actual
2025$36,792Actual
2026(current)$37,646Estimated
2027$38,519Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Green Bay, WI grew -0.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,920 in 2021 to $36,792 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,519. New graduates entering the Green Bay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Green Bay that actively seek new grad medical coders typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices known for structured onboarding processes. These environments not only help facilitate a smoother transition from education to practice but also enhance the potential for upward mobility in salary and responsibilities. Obtaining relevant credentials, such as state licensure and exploring optional advanced certifications from recognized national bodies, can significantly boost starting pay in Wisconsin. For professionals navigating the first 1-3 years, it’s essential to remember that compensation varies greatly depending on employer type, geographical market, and credential mix; thus, new coders should expect incremental salary increases as they build their experience. Realistically, within the first couple of years, many can anticipate moving closer to the median but should proactively seek out employers who value and incentivize continued professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Green Bay in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Green Bay start at approximately $37,646/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 $18.10/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 Green Bay?

Most medical coders in Green Bay progress from the entry-level salary of $37,646 to the area median of $42,442 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $61,163 (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 Green Bay?

With a starting salary of $37,646/year in Green Bay 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 Green Bay?

New medical coding graduates in Green Bay typically start near the 10th percentile at $37,646/year, or approximately $18.10/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 Wisconsin?

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

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 Green Bay. 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

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