Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Glendale, AZ: $19,326 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Glendale, AZ job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $19,326 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Glendale's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,620 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,406) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Glendale, Arizona, can expect starting salaries around $19,326, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $28,406. Over the first few years, early-career specialists have the potential to see their salaries grow as they gain experience and possibly move up into the $23,261 range and beyond. Given a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, those entering the workforce now can reasonably anticipate a steady increase in pay as they hone their skills and progress in their roles. Overall, Glendale presents a viable market for new grads, especially considering its below-average cost of living index of 98.5, which may help stretch entry-level salaries further than in some other areas.
About the Glendale Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Glendale
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Glendale
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Glendale, AZ typically start between $19,326 and $23,261 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,703 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,406 — 6.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Arizona of $3,500 represents just 18.11% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($19,326/year) in Glendale. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Glendale
- 1Research the Glendale market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $19,326 to $23,261, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in AZ often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Glendale, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Glendale for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Glendale's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Glendale is $24,703 ( 127.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $19,326, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,029.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$15,024
2025 BLS Actual
$18,888
2026 Current Est.
$19,326
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Glendale (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,024 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,188 | Actual |
| 2023 | $17,908 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,007 | Actual |
| 2025 | $18,888 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19,326 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19,775 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Glendale, AZ grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,024 in 2021 to $18,888 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $19,775. New graduates entering the Glendale job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Glendale 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.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Glendale
Employment opportunities for newly minted medical billing and coding specialists abound in Glendale, with a mix of third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams actively seeking candidates, particularly those holding an AAPC CPC-A certification. While positions in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers offer accessible entry points, aspiring coders should note that inpatient hospital roles typically require a CCS credential. To enhance their marketability, graduates should focus on continual education, especially in areas like ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding, which has become a significant growth area post-2020. Realistically, new graduates may see salary increases in the early years reaching toward the city median, especially with the rise of remote work options enabling further flexibility and opportunities for on-the-job learning.
More salary data for Glendale, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Glendale in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Glendale?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Glendale?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Glendale?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Arizona?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Arizona
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Glendale. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Glendale 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 billing and coding specialists (SOC 29-2072).
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