Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Peoria, IL: $22,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,439 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,596 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,590) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field of medical billing and coding in Peoria, Illinois, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be around $22,439 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level benchmark for new graduates, who may face a significant gap when compared to the city's overall median annual salary of $29,590. However, with experience and skill development, these individuals can anticipate a growth trajectory that leads to higher wages, potentially reaching $26,979 within the first few years and further towards the median as they establish themselves in the profession. Given the entry-level salaries, Peoria can still be considered a viable market for newcomers, particularly due to the city's lower cost of living index.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
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 Peoria
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Peoria, IL typically start between $22,439 and $26,979 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,922 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,590 — 2.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Illinois of $5,000 represents just 22.28% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,439/year) in Peoria. 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 Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,439 to $26,979, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, 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 Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria'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 Peoria is $21,922 ( 97.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,439, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,361.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,480
2025 BLS Actual
$21,930
2026 Current Est.
$22,439
2021–2027 Growth
+-22.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Peoria (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,959 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew -25.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,480 in 2021 to $21,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,959. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria 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 Peoria
Various employers in Peoria, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, actively seek out new graduates with apprentice coder credentials (CPC-A). Entry-level positions are also available in physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), while hospital inpatient coding roles generally require more advanced certifications like CCS. To enhance their starting pay, aspiring coders can pursue credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC and AHIMA, including CPC for outpatient coding or CCS for inpatient roles. In the first few years, staying updated on ICD-10-CM and CPT guidelines is critical due to the field's shift toward approximately 80% remote work, along with the increasing demand for specialists in risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding. Overall, those in the Peoria area can expect a steady income growth as they navigate their careers in this evolving field.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
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 Peoria. 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