Medical Coder Salary in Watertown, MA: $47,176 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical coder in Watertown, MA earns a median $47,176/year (≈ $22.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Watertown's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $43,480 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, Massachusetts, professionals interested in a medical coder career can expect a median annual salary of $47,176 in 2026. The projected salary range for this role spans from $34,786 at the 10th percentile to $70,867 at the 90th percentile. Compiled from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, these figures reflect the local employment environment where currently only seven medical coders are working. This limited employment signal indicates a niche market for coders, which may influence both salary scales and job competition in Watertown.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,786 | $16.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,904 | $20.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,176 | $22.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,033 | $27.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,867 | $34.07 |
Median Salary Position
12.70% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Watertown
In Watertown, MA, the medical coder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,081 (2026 est.). At $47,176, the local median is 12.7% above the national median of $41,861.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Watertown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Watertown Medical Coder Pay Compares
Watertown median: $47,176/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Watertown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $47,797 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $41,861 | +12.70% more |
Medical Coders in Watertown, MA earn a median of $47,176 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.70% higher than the national median of $41,861 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $47,797.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Watertown has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Watertown, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,176 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $43,480 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$42,067
2025 BLS Actual
$46,106
2026 Current Est.
$47,176
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,536 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,978 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,256 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,106 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,176 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,270 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Watertown metropolitan area, the median medical coder salary grew 9.6% from $42,067 (2021) to $46,106 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,270 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,203 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Watertown 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $34,786 – $41,904 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,904 – $47,176 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,176 – $58,033 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,033 – $70,867 |
CPC, CCS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical coder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Coder Job Market in Watertown
Analyzing the local job market for medical coding, it's crucial to consider the cost of living index in Watertown, which stands at 108.5, indicating a slightly higher-than-average expense for residents. This factor impacts take-home pay, effectively reducing purchasing power. Among employers in the area, large healthcare organizations often provide the highest compensation compared to private practices and community health centers. Variations in pay can be attributed to additional shifts, specialized certifications, and the benefits offered by different employers. For those looking to maximize their medical coder pay in Watertown, pursuing specialized credentials and seeking positions with larger institutions may yield better financial outcomes. Understanding the local employment trends and adjusting expectations accordingly can lead to more informed career decisions.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical coders make in Watertown, MA in 2026?
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Can medical coders make $100K in Watertown?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,106 for medical codersin the Watertown metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown 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