Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kahului, HI: $15,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Kahului, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $15,035 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kahului's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,603 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($19,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Kahului, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be around $19,958 annually in 2026, though first-time job seekers may initially find positions offering as little as $15,035. While this starting point is notably below the city median, the potential for salary growth is tangible, allowing early-career professionals to eventually work their way up to the median salary after three to five years in the industry. As various local employers offer entry-level roles, the Kahului job market appears to provide opportunities for new grads eager to establish their careers in medical billing and coding, a field currently undergoing transformations, particularly with a significant shift towards remote work.
About the Kahului Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kahului
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 Kahului
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Kahului, HI typically start between $15,035 and $16,809 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $15,420 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $19,958 — 34.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Hawaii of $4,500 represents just 29.93% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($15,035/year) in Kahului. 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 Kahului
- 1Research the Kahului market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $15,035 to $16,809, 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 HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kahului, 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 Kahului for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kahului's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Kahului is $15,420 ( 102.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $15,035, experienced hygienists can earn up to $30,455.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$11,688
2025 BLS Actual
$14,694
2026 Current Est.
$15,035
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kahului (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11,688 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,670 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $14,694 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15,384 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Kahului, HI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $11,688 in 2021 to $14,694 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $15,384. New graduates entering the Kahului job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
Employers in Kahului hiring new medical billing and coding graduates typically include physician group practices, outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), and third-party coding companies that bring in structured mentorship programs. Credentialing is vital for enhancing starting pay in Hawaii; new coders should consider obtaining certifications such as the AAPC's CPC (outpatient) or CPC-A (apprentice), along with AHIMA's CCS for inpatient coding. Continuous education is essential, especially since the coding landscape has become predominantly remote and requires knowledge of new coding standards and practices like ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates. Furthermore, entering specialized areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding can position new professionals to take advantage of the fastest growth segments in this field. As newly minted coders accumulate experience over their first few years, they can expect their salaries to rise significantly as they develop their skills and gain the necessary credentials to advance in their careers.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kahului. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kahului 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