Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Mount Pleasant, WI: $32,993 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Mount Pleasant, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,993 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mount Pleasant's local price level (BEA RPP 93.47% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,324 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,804) within a few years of clinical practice.

$32,993
Starting Salary
$15.86/hr
Starting Hourly
$32,993
Entry Level
$46,804
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For new graduates entering the medical coding field in Mount Pleasant, the starting medical coder salary is projected to be around $32,993 in 2026. This entry-level salary is notably lower than the median annual salary of $46,804 for all medical coders in the area, indicating a significant gap that new entrants can expect to navigate as they progress in their careers. As they gain experience and possibly pursue additional certifications, earnings can increase substantially—ranging from $41,529 for those at the 25th percentile to the median salary over the course of three to five years. With a steady growth trajectory of 2.32%, the market for entry-level medical coders in Mount Pleasant appears promising, particularly for those willing to invest in their professional development.

About the Mount Pleasant Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Mount Pleasant

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$32,993/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$41,529/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$46,804/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$57,567/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Pleasant

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Mount Pleasant. The median salary is $46,804, compared to the national median of $41,861.$29.7K$40.7K$51.7K$62.6K$73.6K$33.0K10th Pctl$41.5K25th Pctl$46.8KMedian$57.6K75th Pctl$70.1K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Mount Pleasant, WI typically start between $32,993 and $41,529 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,128 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,80411.81% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$32,993
Starting Salary
10.61%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 10.61% of the starting medical coder pay ($32,993/year) in Mount Pleasant. 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 Mount Pleasant

  • 1Research the Mount Pleasant market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $32,993 to $41,529, 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 Mount Pleasant, 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 Mount Pleasant for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Mount Pleasant'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 Mount Pleasant is $37,128 ( 112.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,993, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,121.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$25,648

2025 BLS Actual

$32,245

2026 Current Est.

$32,993

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Mount Pleasant (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 Mount Pleasant. Baseline $25,648 in 2025, projected to $33,759 by 2027.$24.0K$26.9K$29.7K$32.5K$35.4K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$25.6K$27.6K$30.6K$30.1K$32.2K$33.0K$33.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$25,648Actual
2022$27,635Actual
2023$30,572Actual
2024$30,096Actual
2025$32,245Actual
2026(current)$32,993Estimated
2027$33,759Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Mount Pleasant, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,648 in 2021 to $32,245 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,759. New graduates entering the Mount Pleasant job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Mount Pleasant, several employers are actively seeking new graduates to fill medical coding positions, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These organizations often prioritize candidates with relevant credentials, such as state licensure, which can enhance starting pay beyond the base entry-level pay. Moreover, pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional bodies can further boost earning potential in Wisconsin. Over the first 1-3 years, compensation can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, geographic market conditions, and the mix of professional credentials held by the new coder. Graduates can realistically expect growth in their salaries as they gain experience, allowing them to reach higher pay levels relatively quickly from their initial positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Mount Pleasant in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Mount Pleasant start at approximately $32,993/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 $15.86/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 Mount Pleasant?

Most medical coders in Mount Pleasant progress from the entry-level salary of $32,993 to the area median of $46,804 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $70,121 (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 Mount Pleasant?

With a starting salary of $32,993/year in Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant?

New medical coding graduates in Mount Pleasant typically start near the 10th percentile at $32,993/year, or approximately $15.86/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 Mount Pleasant. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Mount Pleasant 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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