Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Groton, CT: $24,608 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Groton, CT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,608 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Groton's local price level (BEA RPP 107.98% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,806 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,844) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,608
Starting Salary
$11.83/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,608
Entry Level
$34,844
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Groton, CT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Groton, CT medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Groton, Connecticut, new graduates aiming for positions as medical billing and coding specialists can anticipate a modest starting salary of approximately $24,608 in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $34,844, reflecting a significant gap that early-career professionals need to bridge. However, there's a positive growth trajectory anticipated for these coders; those starting at the 10th percentile can expect to see their salaries rise towards the 25th percentile, which is projected at $30,951, within the first few years. Groton presents a viable market for new graduates, especially considering the overall growth rate for this sector is estimated at 2.32% annually over the next five years.

About the Groton Market

Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Groton

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,608/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$30,951/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$34,844/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$44,198/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Groton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Groton. The median salary is $34,844, compared to the national median of $30,349.$22.1K$30.8K$39.4K$48.1K$56.7K$24.6K10th Pctl$31.0K25th Pctl$34.8KMedian$44.2K75th Pctl$54.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Groton, CT typically start between $24,608 and $30,951 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,401 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,84414.81% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Groton metro area.

Return on Investment

$6,000
Avg CT Program Cost
$24,608
Starting Salary
24.38%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Connecticut of $6,000 represents just 24.38% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,608/year) in Groton. 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 Groton

  • 1Research the Groton market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,608 to $30,951, 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 CT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Groton, 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 Groton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Groton'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 Groton is $29,401 ( 119.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,608, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,009.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$19,130

2025 BLS Actual

$24,050

2026 Current Est.

$24,608

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Groton (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 billing and coding specialists in Groton. Baseline $19,130 in 2025, projected to $25,179 by 2027.$14.5K$22.6K$30.6K$38.7K$46.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$19.1K$20.6K$22.8K$42.1K$24.1K$24.6K$25.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$19,130Actual
2022$20,612Actual
2023$22,802Actual
2024$42,125Actual
2025$24,050Actual
2026(current)$24,608Estimated
2027$25,179Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Groton, CT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,130 in 2021 to $24,050 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,179. New graduates entering the Groton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Groton

In Groton, several employers are actively recruiting new graduates for entry-level roles in medical billing and coding. Organizations such as third-party coding companies often offer structured mentorship programs for CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers provide opportunities for professionals at the beginning of their careers. For positions that emphasize inpatient coding, employers typically look for those with a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. In Connecticut, obtaining certifications from AAPC, like the CPC or CPC-A, or AHIMA’s CCS may significantly enhance starting pay while establishing a solid foundation for professional growth. New coders should strategically prioritize continuous education, especially with the industry's shift towards remote work and the evolving landscape of coding regulations. There is particular demand for skills related to risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding, making these areas worth focusing on early in one's career. Realistically, those in their first few years can expect salary growth as they gain experience and credentials, paving the way for higher positions and salaries in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Groton in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Groton start at approximately $24,608/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $11.83/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Groton?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Groton progress from the entry-level salary of $24,608 to the area median of $34,844 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $54,009 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Groton?

With a starting salary of $24,608/year in Groton and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Groton?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Groton typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,608/year, or approximately $11.83/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Connecticut?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Connecticut, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Connecticut, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Connecticut

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Groton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Groton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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