Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Pocatello, ID: $23,079 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Pocatello, ID job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,079 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pocatello's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,959 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,605) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates eyeing a career as a medical billing and coding specialist, the starting pay in Pocatello, Idaho, presents a valuable opportunity. In 2026, entry-level roles are projected to start around $23,079, which is noticeably below the median annual salary of $34,605 for the area. This gap illustrates the growth potential in the profession; within just a few years, early-career coders can expect to see an increase in earnings as they move toward the 25th percentile at $25,928 and onward toward the median. With Pocatello's cost of living index at 88.906, a career in this field allows for a feasible start, especially as local healthcare facilities expand and demand for coding expertise increases, making it an encouraging market for new graduates in 2026.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pocatello
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 Pocatello
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Pocatello, ID typically start between $23,079 and $25,928 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $26,201 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,605 — 14.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Idaho of $3,000 represents just 13.00% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,079/year) in Pocatello. 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 Pocatello
- 1Research the Pocatello market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,079 to $25,928, 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 Pocatello, 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 Pocatello for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pocatello'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 Pocatello is $26,201 ( 113.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,079, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,280.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,440
2025 BLS Actual
$22,556
2026 Current Est.
$23,079
2021–2027 Growth
+-19.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pocatello (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,556 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,079 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,615 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Pocatello, ID grew -23.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,440 in 2021 to $22,556 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,615. New graduates entering the Pocatello job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pocatello 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 Pocatello
Employers in Pocatello that frequently hire aspiring medical billing and coding specialists include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often welcome professionals with apprentice credentials like CPC-A. Additionally, there are entry-level opportunities available in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. Gaining credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA, particularly in outpatient coding (CPC) or inpatient coding (CCS), can notably enhance earning potential. New professionals are encouraged to pursue continuous education, particularly in the rapidly growing areas of risk adjustment and HCC coding as the medical coding landscape has shifted toward remote work since 2020. Realistically, those starting in this field can expect a gradual rise in their salary over the first few years as they gain experience and the necessary certifications, further solidifying their role in this evolving industry in Pocatello, ID.
More salary data for Pocatello, 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 Pocatello. 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