HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Medical Coder Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$81,864/yr
Typical range: $76,721 – $90,408
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Medical Coder salary by experience level in Chicago
Medical Coder Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $44,769 | $3,731 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $55,002 | $4,584 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $60,971 | $5,081 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $67,538 | $5,628 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $81,864 | $6,822 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $94,143 | $7,845 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $97,213 | $8,101 | +117% |
Current Salary
$81,864
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $39/hr
Next Level Target
$94,143
Principal · 14
+$12Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
24/100
High Risk
+9% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Medical Coder salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Medical Coders in Chicago, IL earn approximately $82K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Medical Coder make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $82K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $39/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Medical Coder in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Medical Coder in Chicago, IL earns $77K–$90K/yr.