Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Manchester, CT: $25,845 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Manchester, CT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,845 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manchester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.98% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,953 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,251) within a few years of clinical practice.

$25,845
Starting Salary
$12.42/hr
Starting Hourly
$25,845
Entry Level
$36,251
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Manchester, Connecticut, can anticipate a starting salary around $25,845 in 2026, which highlights the significant gap to the city’s median annual salary of $36,251. This suggests that while initial earnings may be modest, the potential for financial growth is evident as professionals progress in their careers. Specifically, first-year coders can expect to see wages increase as they gain experience and skills, with the possibility of reaching closer to the 25th percentile salary of $30,381 within a few years. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Manchester presents itself as a favorable market for emerging coders, offering opportunities for career advancement and further education.

About the Manchester Market

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

Career Earnings Timeline in Manchester

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$25,845/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$30,381/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$36,251/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$46,121/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Manchester. The median salary is $36,251, compared to the national median of $30,349.$23.3K$32.2K$41.1K$50.1K$59.0K$25.8K10th Pctl$30.4K25th Pctl$36.3KMedian$46.1K75th Pctl$56.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manchester, CT typically start between $25,845 and $30,381 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,344 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,25119.45% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$6,000
Avg CT Program Cost
$25,845
Starting Salary
23.22%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Connecticut of $6,000 represents just 23.22% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,845/year) in Manchester. 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 Manchester

  • 1Research the Manchester market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,845 to $30,381, 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 Manchester, 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 Manchester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Manchester'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 Manchester is $30,344 ( 117.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,845, experienced hygienists can earn up to $56,189.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$20,091

2025 BLS Actual

$25,259

2026 Current Est.

$25,845

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Manchester (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 Manchester. Baseline $20,091 in 2025, projected to $26,445 by 2027.$15.3K$23.7K$32.2K$40.6K$49.1K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$20.1K$21.6K$23.9K$44.3K$25.3K$25.8K$26.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$20,091Actual
2022$21,648Actual
2023$23,948Actual
2024$44,273Actual
2025$25,259Actual
2026(current)$25,845Estimated
2027$26,445Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Manchester, CT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,091 in 2021 to $25,259 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,445. New graduates entering the Manchester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

A variety of employers in Manchester seek entry-level medical billing and coding personnel, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that often provide mentorship for new graduates holding CPC-A credentials. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers offer entry-level roles for certified coders; however, those aiming for hospital inpatient positions may require a CCS credential. To enhance potential earnings in Connecticut, pursuing certifications from respected organizations like AAPC and AHIMA is advisable. This includes options like the AAPC CPC or apprentice CPC-A for outpatient coding, as well as specialties in risk adjustment coding, which is gaining traction in today’s healthcare landscape. Given that much of the coding work has transitioned to an 80% remote format since 2020, flexibility in working arrangements is an attractive feature for new entrants. Starting out in this profession, coders should aim for ongoing education to stay current with updates in code sets like ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT changes, which can lead to substantial growth in earnings within the first three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manchester start at approximately $25,845/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 $12.43/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 Manchester?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Manchester progress from the entry-level salary of $25,845 to the area median of $36,251 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $56,189 (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 Manchester?

With a starting salary of $25,845/year in Manchester 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 Manchester?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Manchester typically start near the 10th percentile at $25,845/year, or approximately $12.43/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 Manchester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Manchester 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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