Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $15,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Kaneohe, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $15,623 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kaneohe's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,096 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($20,867) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the medical billing and coding field in Kaneohe, Hawaii, can be a promising career move for recent graduates. In 2026, individuals just starting out in this role can expect an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Kaneohe of around $20,867. However, the initial starting pay may begin as low as $15,623, which sets a considerable gap for new coders to bridge. Over a span of three to five years, early-career specialists have the potential to elevate their salaries to approximately $25,840 at the 75th percentile, suggesting a favorable growth trajectory in the early years. Given the competitive landscape for medical billing and coding positions in this market, even with a modest starting salary, Kaneohe presents a viable option for newcomers who can take advantage of ongoing training and certification opportunities.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kaneohe
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 Kaneohe
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Kaneohe, HI typically start between $15,623 and $17,903 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $16,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $20,867 — 31.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Hawaii of $4,500 represents just 28.80% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($15,623/year) in Kaneohe. 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 Kaneohe
- 1Research the Kaneohe market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $15,623 to $17,903, 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 Kaneohe, 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 Kaneohe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kaneohe'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 Kaneohe is $16,002 ( 102.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $15,623, experienced hygienists can earn up to $31,625.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$12,145
2025 BLS Actual
$15,269
2026 Current Est.
$15,623
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kaneohe (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $12,145 | Actual |
| 2022 | $13,086 | Actual |
| 2023 | $14,477 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,047 | Actual |
| 2025 | $15,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $15,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $15,986 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Kaneohe, HI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $12,145 in 2021 to $15,269 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $15,986. New graduates entering the Kaneohe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe
A variety of local employers in Kaneohe actively hire new graduates for medical billing and coding roles. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often welcome CPC-A (apprentice) coders, offering structured mentorship to help them gain practical experience. Entry-level positions can also be found in physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers, though roles in hospital inpatient coding generally require CCS certification. Credentials play a significant role in boosting starting pay in Hawaii. Earning certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, such as CPC, CPC-A, or CCS, can substantively influence salary prospects. For those looking to enhance their skills, a focus on HCC coding and proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS is particularly relevant, especially as the industry pivots to approximately 80% remote work. New graduates can realistically expect salary growth reflecting continuous learning and specialization within their first few years in the field.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Kaneohe in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Kaneohe?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Kaneohe?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Kaneohe?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Hawaii?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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 Kaneohe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaneohe 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