Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Franklin, IN: $20,609 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,609 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.39% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,573 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,208) within a few years of clinical practice.

$20,609
Starting Salary
$9.90/hr
Starting Hourly
$20,609
Entry Level
$28,208
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those entering the medical billing and coding field, realistic salary expectations in Franklin, Indiana can begin at approximately $20,609 in 2026 for entry-level positions. This starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Franklin is notably below the city median of $28,208, highlighting a significant gap for new graduates. However, as newcomers progress through their careers, they can anticipate increasing salaries, moving from the lower decile toward the 25th percentile at $23,824, and eventually reaching the median annual salary. With an annual growth rate of 2.32% projected over the next five years, Franklin presents a solid opportunity for recent graduates eager to enter the healthcare sector, despite the initial income being lower than the national average for the same role.

About the Franklin Market

Salary estimated from Indiana average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$20,609/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$23,824/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$28,208/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$35,214/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Franklin. The median salary is $28,208, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.5K$25.2K$31.9K$38.6K$45.2K$20.6K10th Pctl$23.8K25th Pctl$28.2KMedian$35.2K75th Pctl$43.1K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Franklin, IN typically start between $20,609 and $23,824 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,470 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,2087.05% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg IN Program Cost
$20,609
Starting Salary
16.98%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Indiana of $3,500 represents just 16.98% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,609/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin

  • 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,609 to $23,824, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Franklin'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 Franklin is $22,470 ( 109.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,609, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,079.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$16,021

2025 BLS Actual

$20,142

2026 Current Est.

$20,609

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Franklin (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 Franklin. Baseline $16,021 in 2025, projected to $21,087 by 2027.$13.3K$18.1K$22.8K$27.6K$32.4K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$16.0K$17.3K$19.1K$29.7K$20.1K$20.6K$21.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$16,021Actual
2022$17,262Actual
2023$19,097Actual
2024$29,678Actual
2025$20,142Actual
2026(current)$20,609Estimated
2027$21,087Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,021 in 2021 to $20,142 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,087. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

Employers in Franklin, IN actively seek new graduates for various entry-level roles in medical billing and coding, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that typically offer mentorship for those holding credentials like CPC-A. Local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers also hire entry-level coders, although hospital roles often require certifications such as CCS. Obtaining credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can significantly enhance earning potential. Certification in risk adjustment or proficiency in ICD-10-CM codes is especially relevant, as the medical coding field has shifted to about 80% remote work post-2020, demanding continual education to keep pace with coding updates. With strategic career planning, entry-level coders in Franklin can expect salary growth over the first few years as they deepen their expertise in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Franklin start at approximately $20,609/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 $9.91/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 Franklin?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Franklin progress from the entry-level salary of $20,609 to the area median of $28,208 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $43,079 (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 Franklin?

With a starting salary of $20,609/year in Franklin 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 Franklin?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Franklin typically start near the 10th percentile at $20,609/year, or approximately $9.91/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 Indiana?

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

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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Franklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: