Senior Medical Coder Salary in Akron, OH: $60,451 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Akron, OH — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $60,451/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Akron's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $64,743 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, experienced medical coders in Akron, OH, are projected to earn an annual median salary of $40,502, with top-tier professionals reaching as high as $60,451. This compensation demonstrates a significant difference between the median salary and the potential earnings for the highest-earning 10% (P90), showcasing the experience premium that comes from advanced knowledge and specialized skills in the medical coding field. To join the ranks of these top earners, professionals need to acquire extensive experience—typically seven years or more—alongside relevant certifications. Mastery in coding systems and regulations, along with an understanding of specialty areas, can significantly impact earning potential, making continued education and professional development vital for success in this market.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Akron
Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Akron earn between $49,384 and $60,451 per year (2026 est.). This $29,141 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Akron median of $40,502 sits 3.25% below the US median.
Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison
| Level | Akron | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $40,502 | $41,861 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,384 | $53,059 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $60,451 | $66,426 |
In Akron, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 49.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Akron
Advanced Certifications in Ohio
OH medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $40,502 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Akron employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Akron command premium compensation, often reaching the $49,384–$60,451 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Akron metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical coders in Akron with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Coders in Ohio who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Coder Career & Wage Growth Path in Akron
Clinical Medical Coder
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Coder
5-10 yearsMedical Coder Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAkron ranks #11 of 67 Ohio cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $60,451).
Top 10% medical coder compensation in Akron ($60,451) is 8.17% below the Ohio average P90 ($65,827).
2021 BLS Actual
$62,500
2025 BLS Actual
$59,080
2026 Current Est.
$60,451
2021–2027 Growth
+-1.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $62,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,970 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,710 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,451 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,853 | Projected |
Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Akron saw their compensation grow -5.5% from $62,500 in 2021 to $59,080 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $61,853 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Akron
Salaries for senior medical coders in Akron can vary based on various factors, including the type of employer. For instance, working for larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics may yield higher compensation compared to smaller practices or community health centers. Professionals who specialize in complex areas, such as oncology or neurology, often command premium pay due to the expertise required. To further elevate their pay, many experienced coders pursue advanced credentials like Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). These certifications not only signify expertise but also align with career advancement paths such as lead practitioner or clinical coordinator roles. Beyond hourly or annual wage considerations, total compensation can include various non-salary benefits, making total compensation packages a crucial element of negotiation for senior medical coders in Akron, OH.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical coders make in Akron in 2026?
What drives higher medical coder pay in Akron?
What certifications boost medical coder salary in Akron?
Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Akron?
How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Akron?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $59,080 for medical coders in the Akron metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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