Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lewiston, ID: $23,780 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Lewiston, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,780 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lewiston's local price level (BEA RPP 91.29% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,086 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,050) within a few years of clinical practice.

$23,780
Starting Salary
$11.43/hr
Starting Hourly
$23,780
Entry Level
$29,050
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For those entering the field of medical billing and coding in Lewiston, the 2026 projected entry-level salary reflects the challenges and opportunities awaiting new graduates. With a starting salary around $23,780, new participants in this field may find themselves initially beneath the city's median pay of $29,050, indicating the potential for growth as skills and experience accumulate. Entry-level specialists can expect a steady financial trajectory, moving towards the 25th percentile salary of $27,477 within a few years. Given the current job market conditions in Lewiston, 2026 presents a reasonable environment for newcomers, with increasing demand for coders, especially as shifts to remote work remain prevalent after 2020.

Career Earnings Timeline in Lewiston

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$23,780/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$27,477/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$29,050/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$37,720/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lewiston

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Lewiston. The median salary is $29,050, compared to the national median of $30,349.$21.4K$28.1K$34.9K$41.6K$48.3K$23.8K10th Pctl$27.5K25th Pctl$29.1KMedian$37.7K75th Pctl$46.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lewiston, ID typically start between $23,780 and $27,477 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,266 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,0504.28% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,000
Avg ID Program Cost
$23,780
Starting Salary
12.62%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 12.62% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,780/year) in Lewiston. 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 Lewiston

  • 1Research the Lewiston market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,780 to $27,477, 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 Lewiston, 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 Lewiston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lewiston'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 Lewiston is $22,266 ( 93.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,780, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,046.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$29,540

2025 BLS Actual

$23,241

2026 Current Est.

$23,780

2021–2027 Growth

+-17.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lewiston (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 Lewiston. Baseline $29,540 in 2025, projected to $24,332 by 2027.$20.9K$25.0K$29.0K$33.1K$37.2K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.5K$33.6K$32.7K$34.8K$23.2K$23.8K$24.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$29,540Actual
2022$33,570Actual
2023$32,740Actual
2024$34,840Actual
2025$23,241Actual
2026(current)$23,780Estimated
2027$24,332Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Lewiston, ID grew -21.3% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,540 in 2021 to $23,241 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,332. New graduates entering the Lewiston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Companies in Lewiston are actively hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, providing various avenues for those just starting their careers. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently seek out candidates with CPC-A credentials, offering structured mentorship to jumpstart their coding education. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) also represent potential employers looking for entry-level CPC roles. To boost starting salaries, new grads should consider obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA, with credentials such as CPC (for outpatient roles) or CCS (for inpatient coding). The first few years in this profession are crucial for skill development, particularly in areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are expanding rapidly due to their relevance in insurance markets. With a clear focus on gaining proficiency in coding standards like ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, early-career coders in Lewiston can set themselves up for salary growth, aligning with the market's upward trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lewiston start at approximately $23,780/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 $11.43/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 Lewiston?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Lewiston progress from the entry-level salary of $23,780 to the area median of $29,050 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $46,046 (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 Lewiston?

With a starting salary of $23,780/year in Lewiston 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 Lewiston?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Lewiston typically start near the 10th percentile at $23,780/year, or approximately $11.43/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 Idaho?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Idaho, 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 Idaho, 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 Idaho

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 Lewiston. 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

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