Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Idaho Falls, ID: $22,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Idaho Falls, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Idaho Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 94.4 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,138 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,988) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Idaho Falls can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $22,789 in 2026, which is notably lower than the overall city median of $27,988. While this may seem disappointing at first glance, it is important for new coders to recognize the potential for growth as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, many can expect to see their earnings rise, with upward trajectories toward the 25th percentile mark of $24,759, and eventually approaching the median. This growth indicates that while entry-level pay might not be competitive with the national median of $30,349, Idaho Falls presents reasonable opportunities for new graduates willing to advance their careers in this niche sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Idaho Falls
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 Idaho Falls
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Idaho Falls, ID typically start between $22,789 and $24,759 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,963 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,988 — 7.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 13.16% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,789/year) in Idaho Falls. 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 Idaho Falls
- 1Research the Idaho Falls market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,789 to $24,759, 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 Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Idaho Falls's below-average 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 Idaho Falls is $13,963 ( 61.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $36,752.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,220
2025 BLS Actual
$22,272
2026 Current Est.
$22,789
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Idaho Falls (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,317 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Idaho Falls, ID grew -23.8% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,220 in 2021 to $22,272 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,317. New graduates entering the Idaho Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Idaho Falls 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 Idaho Falls
Potential employers in Idaho Falls offering opportunities for recent graduates include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that often welcome CPC-A (apprentice) coders with mentorship programs. Additionally, local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers tend to fill entry-level CPC roles, while hospitals typically require CCS certification for inpatient coding roles. Credentialing is crucial for boosting starting salaries, and obtaining designations from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA—particularly the CPC (outpatient) or CCS (inpatient)—can significantly enhance marketability. As the industry has shifted to approximately 80% remote work, coders must adapt by continuously updating their knowledge of ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. Many in the first three years can realistically expect salary increases as they specialize in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, ensuring a solid return on their investment in education and certification.
More salary data for Idaho Falls, ID:
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 Idaho Falls. 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