Medical Coder Pay

Senior Medical Coder Salary in Burlington, VT: $74,186 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical coders working in Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $74,186/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $73,489 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$74,186
Top 10% Earn
$35.67/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$63,504
75th Percentile
$74,186
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Coder Senior Salary in Burlington, VT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Burlington, VT medical coder senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Burlington, Vermont, experienced medical coders can anticipate a strong earning potential, particularly at the senior level, with salaries ranging significantly. The projected top-tier earnings for 2026 are estimated at $74,186 for professionals in the 90th percentile, while those in the 75th percentile can expect around $63,504. This advanced compensation reflects the substantial experience premium available in the local job market, where the median annual salary sits at $48,827. Notably, Burlington's senior medical coder pay is approximately 16.64% higher than the national median of $41,861, illustrating the value placed on skilled coders in this vibrant healthcare community. Achieving such top-tier pay generally requires more than seven years of experience, alongside specialization and continuous learning to remain competitive.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical coders in Burlington. The median salary is $48,827, compared to the national median of $41,861.$34.1K$45.0K$56.0K$66.9K$77.9K$37.9K10th Pctl$40.1K25th Pctl$48.8KMedian$63.5K75th Pctl$74.2K90th PctlUS Median$41.9K

Experienced medical coders at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $63,504 and $74,186 per year (2026 est.). This $36,311 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $48,827 sits 16.64% above the US median.

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

Top CPC, CCS Salary Comparison

LevelBurlingtonNational
Median (P50)$48,827$41,861
75th Percentile$63,504$53,059
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$74,186$66,426

In Burlington, experienced medical coders (P90) earn 51.94% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.

What Drives Top Medical Coder Pay in Burlington

1

Advanced Certifications in Vermont

VT medical coders with additional specialty certifications within the medical coding field earn significantly above the $48,827 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Coders focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical coding field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $63,504–$74,186 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical coders who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical coders in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Coders in Vermont 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 Burlington

Clinical Medical Coder

0-5 years
$37,875 – $48,827

Senior/Lead Medical Coder

5-10 years
$48,827 – $63,504

Medical Coder Department Manager

10+ years
$63,504+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Burlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner medical coder salary (90th percentile: $74,186).

Top 10% medical coder compensation in Burlington ($74,186) is 44.75% above the Vermont average P90 ($51,250).

2021 BLS Actual

$61,310

2025 BLS Actual

$72,504

2026 Current Est.

$74,186

2021–2027 Growth

+23.8%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Burlington (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 Burlington. Baseline $61,310 in 2025, projected to $75,907 by 2027.$55.7K$61.6K$67.5K$73.4K$79.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$61.3K$59.1K$61.3K$71.7K$72.5K$74.2K$75.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$61,310Actual
2022$59,070Actual
2023$61,290Actual
2024$71,660Actual
2025$72,504Actual
2026(current)$74,186Estimated
2027$75,907Projected

Top-earning medical coders (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 18.3% from $61,310 in 2021 to $72,504 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 $75,907 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

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

Maximizing Your Medical Coder Earnings in Burlington

Compensation strategies for senior medical coders in Burlington can vary depending on the employment setting. Those working in specialized clinics, academic hospitals, or large healthcare organizations often command higher salaries than their counterparts in private practices or community health centers. Advanced credentials, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), enhance earning potential, particularly in niche areas like oncology or cardiology. These specializations not only boost the senior medical coder salary in Burlington but also open pathways to leadership roles such as clinical coordinator or department director. Furthermore, non-salary compensation factors, including shift differentials, comprehensive benefits packages, and opportunities for professional development, play a significant role in overall job satisfaction and financial stability for seasoned professionals in this field. The growth rate projected at 2.32% annually indicates a stable job market that continues to recognize and reward the expertise of experienced medical coders in Vermont.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical coders make in Burlington in 2026?

Top-earning medical coders in Burlington (90th percentile) make $74,186/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $25,359 more than the area median of $48,827 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical coders typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical coder pay in Burlington?

Higher medical coder pay in Burlington is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical coder salary in Burlington?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical coders in Burlington include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $48,827, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical coders make six figures in Burlington?

The 90th percentile in Burlington is $74,186. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical coder salary increase over time in Burlington?

In Burlington, the gap between entry level ($37,875) and top earners ($74,186) is $36,311, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Vermont

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

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 $72,504 for medical coders in the Burlington 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

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