Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Coeur d'Alene, ID: $25,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Coeur d'Alene, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,940 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Coeur d'Alene's local price level (BEA RPP 98.3 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,390 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,507) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates in Coeur d'Alene entering the field of medical billing and coding can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of around $25,940. This figure indicates a significant gap when compared to the city median of $29,507, emphasizing the starting position's foundational phase in a coder's career. Over the first few years, it’s realistic for entry-level coders to advance through the salary range, progressing to approximately $28,901 at the 25th percentile, reaching the median as they gain experience and develop their skills. Given the ongoing demand for medical billing and coding professionals, driven by a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Coeur d'Alene is a promising market for new graduates in 2026, especially as healthcare facilities look to onboard fresh talent to manage their billing needs effectively.
Career Earnings Timeline in Coeur d'Alene
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 Coeur d'Alene
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Coeur d'Alene, ID typically start between $25,940 and $28,901 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,492 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,507 — 2.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 11.57% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,940/year) in Coeur d'Alene. 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 Coeur d'Alene
- 1Research the Coeur d'Alene market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,940 to $28,901, 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 ID often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Coeur d'Alene, 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 Coeur d'Alene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Coeur d'Alene'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 Coeur d'Alene is $20,492 ( 79.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,940, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,432.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$30,060
2025 BLS Actual
$25,352
2026 Current Est.
$25,940
2021–2027 Growth
+-11.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Coeur d'Alene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,352 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,542 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene, ID grew -15.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,060 in 2021 to $25,352 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,542. New graduates entering the Coeur d'Alene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Coeur d'Alene 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 Coeur d'Alene
Employers in Coeur d'Alene that actively seek new medical billing and coding graduates include third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams that are willing to onboard CPC-A coders, providing structured mentorship for skill development. Opportunities are also available in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, where entry-level positions await those holding relevant certifications. Credentials such as the AAPC's CPC or CPC-A, along with familiarity with ICD-10-CM and current CPT codes, can enhance starting pay in the region. In training and early-career years, medical coders should prioritize continuous education and adaptation to updates in coding practices, especially since the majority of coding roles shifted to remote work post-2020. With an eye on future specialization—especially in the booming areas of risk adjustment and HCC coding—coders can realistically anticipate salary progression that aligns with their credentials and commitment to ongoing learning.
More salary data for Coeur d'Alene, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Coeur d'Alene in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Coeur d'Alene?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Coeur d'Alene?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Coeur d'Alene?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Idaho?
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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 Coeur d'Alene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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