Billings vs Helena: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary (2026)
Compare medical billing and coding specialist salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,785▲ | $28,729 |
| Hourly Rate | $14.32▲ | $13.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,071▲ | $23,910 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,095▲ | $25,887 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,524 | $36,574▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $37,281 | $46,307▲ |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for medical billing and coding specialists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $1,056 (3.68%). Billings's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $30,349.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $13,210,Helena spans $22,397. Helena has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical billing and coding specialists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($31,847 effective) pays 6.06% more than Helena ($30,028 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($29,785/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $31,847)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($46,307)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical billing and coding specialist salaries in Billings grew -39.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -46.3% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$48,070 (2021) → $29,110 (2025)
Helena, MT
$52,320 (2024) → $28,078 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical billing and coding specialists more: Billings or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Helena?
Should I relocate from Billings to Helena as a medical billing and coding specialist?
What do entry-level medical billing and coding specialists earn in Billings vs Helena?
Written by Amina Patel, CPC
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in medical billing. She specializes in outpatient coding for multi-specialty practices.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CPC, a licensed medical billing and coding specialist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov