Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Superior, WI: $35,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Superior, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,535 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Superior's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $38,046 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,238) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical coding in Superior, Wisconsin can expect starting salaries around $35,535 annually, which is notably lower than the overall median salary for medical coders in the area at $46,238. This suggests a gap that budding professionals should keep in mind as they embark on their careers. Entry-level positions typically offer pathways for salary growth, with earnings potentially rising to $40,347 for those at the 25th percentile and reaching the city median over the first three to five years of employment. For recent graduates, Superior presents a promising opportunity, as the medical coding field is growing, creating demand for qualified coders in healthcare settings.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Superior
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 Superior
Entry-level medical coders in Superior, WI typically start between $35,535 and $40,347 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,238 — 10.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 9.85% of the starting medical coder pay ($35,535/year) in Superior. 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 Superior
- 1Research the Superior market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $35,535 to $40,347, 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 Superior, 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 Superior for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Superior'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 Superior is $36,135 ( 101.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,535, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,670.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,624
2025 BLS Actual
$34,729
2026 Current Est.
$35,535
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Superior (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,764 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,927 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,460 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,359 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Superior, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,624 in 2021 to $34,729 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,359. New graduates entering the Superior job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
Looking deeper, the potential employers for entry-level medical coders in Superior often include large hospital systems and corporate group practices willing to hire fresh talent. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs that can significantly aid new workers in building their skills. To enhance starting medical coder pay in WI, acquiring state licensure, along with optional advanced certifications recognized at the national level, can be beneficial. In the first few years, it is plausible for new coders to see gradual yet steady salary increases, influenced by a mix of employer type and credentialing. Those who actively pursue professional development can expect their compensation trajectory to reflect their growing expertise over time, positioning them for better opportunities as they gain experience in the field.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Superior in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Superior?
Is medical coding school worth it in Superior?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Superior?
How do I become a medical coder in Wisconsin?
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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 Superior. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior 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