Medical Coder Pay

Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $32,857 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,857 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.54% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $34,052 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,763) within a few years of clinical practice.

$32,857
Starting Salary
$15.80/hr
Starting Hourly
$32,857
Entry Level
$53,763
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For newly graduated medical coders in Cheyenne, Wyoming, the starting pay can leave much to consider. With a projected entry-level salary around $32,857, recent graduates will find themselves significantly below the city's median annual earnings of $53,763. This discrepancy highlights the growth potential within the profession; new coders can expect to gradually increase their salaries as they gain experience, with projections suggesting an escalation to around $42,295 after a few years. For aspiring healthcare professionals, Cheyenne presents a favorable market, buoyed by a relatively low cost of living index of 96.491 compared to the national average of 100. This environment allows new coders to establish their careers and develop the necessary skills for advancement without the immediate pressure of high living costs.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$32,857/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$42,295/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$53,763/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$65,100/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Cheyenne. The median salary is $53,763, compared to the national median of $41,861.$29.6K$39.3K$49.0K$58.7K$68.4K$32.9K10th Pctl$42.3K25th Pctl$53.8KMedian$65.1K75th Pctl$65.1K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Entry-level medical coders in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $32,857 and $42,295 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,243 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,76328.43% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$2,800
Avg WY Program Cost
$32,857
Starting Salary
8.52%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 8.52% of the starting medical coder pay ($32,857/year) in Cheyenne. 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 Cheyenne

  • 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $32,857 to $42,295, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, 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 Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cheyenne'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 Cheyenne is $32,243 ( 98.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,857, experienced hygienists can earn up to $65,100.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$36,620

2025 BLS Actual

$32,112

2026 Current Est.

$32,857

2021–2027 Growth

+-8.2%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Cheyenne (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 Cheyenne. Baseline $36,620 in 2025, projected to $33,619 by 2027.$30.6K$33.3K$35.9K$38.6K$41.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.6K$37.6K$39.7K$38.6K$32.1K$32.9K$33.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$36,620Actual
2022$37,630Actual
2023$39,730Actual
2024$38,610Actual
2025$32,112Actual
2026(current)$32,857Estimated
2027$33,619Projected

Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew -12.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,620 in 2021 to $32,112 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,619. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Cheyenne, various healthcare organizations seek to hire entry-level medical coders, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that often provide structured onboarding programs. These employers are accustomed to mentoring new hires, which can significantly enhance career foundations. Additionally, pursuing state licensure and advanced certifications from nationally recognized bodies can act as catalysts for higher starting pay in Wyoming. In the first few years, coders should focus on building practical experience and considering continual education opportunities that bolster credentials. Compensation typically increases notably within this timeframe, as those who actively pursue further qualifications may see pay rise more rapidly than their peers. Establishing a clear career strategy will be vital for new coders looking to navigate compensation expectations in this growing field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical coders in Cheyenne in 2026?

Entry-level medical coders in Cheyenne start at approximately $32,857/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 $15.80/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 Cheyenne?

Most medical coders in Cheyenne progress from the entry-level salary of $32,857 to the area median of $53,763 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $65,100 (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 Cheyenne?

With a starting salary of $32,857/year in Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne?

New medical coding graduates in Cheyenne typically start near the 10th percentile at $32,857/year, or approximately $15.80/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 Wyoming?

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

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 Cheyenne. 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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