Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Moscow, ID: $20,466 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Moscow, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,466 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moscow's local price level (BEA RPP 95.3 — 5% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,475 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,547) 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 Moscow, Idaho, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be around $20,466 in 2026. This figure is significantly below the median annual salary for the city, which stands at $28,547, highlighting a gap that new coders will need to navigate early in their careers. Entry-level positions typically offer compensation that aligns closer to entry-point thresholds. However, with time and experience, specialists can expect growth in their earnings, moving through the P25 bracket of $23,821 and eventually reaching the median salary as they build their skills and increase their knowledge of medical coding standards. Given the slight decline in starting pay compared to national averages, Moscow presents a moderately competitive job market for recent graduates.
About the Moscow Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moscow
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 Moscow
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Moscow, ID typically start between $20,466 and $23,821 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,782 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,547 — 5.94% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 14.66% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,466/year) in Moscow. 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 Moscow
- 1Research the Moscow market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,466 to $23,821, 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 Moscow, 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 Moscow for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moscow'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 Moscow is $23,782 ( 116.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,466, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,248.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$15,910
2025 BLS Actual
$20,002
2026 Current Est.
$20,466
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Moscow (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,137 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,002 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20,466 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,941 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Moscow, ID grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,910 in 2021 to $20,002 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,941. New graduates entering the Moscow job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moscow 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 Moscow
Employers in Moscow looking for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists include third-party coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and outpatient physician practices. Many of these employers are open to hiring those holding AAPC's CPC-A certification, providing structured mentorship to ease new coders into the profession. Further enhancing earning potential, credentials such as the AHIMA CCS for inpatient coding or specialized certifications in risk adjustment can be beneficial. Given the significant shift toward remote work—now accounting for roughly 80% of positions in this sector—new entrants must commit to continuous education in areas like ICD-10-CM and the latest CPT updates to remain competitive. Within the first three years, those in Moscow might expect their pay to gradually increase, particularly if they specialize in in-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are rapidly growing fields in the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Moscow, ID:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Moscow in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Moscow?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Moscow?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Moscow?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Idaho?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Moscow. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moscow 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