Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Davenport, IA: $22,789 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Davenport, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,789 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Davenport's local price level (BEA RPP 89.1 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,583 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,038) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the medical billing and coding field in Davenport, Iowa, the projected starting salary for entry-level positions in 2026 is approximately $22,789. This figure is slightly below the city’s median salary of $27,038, highlighting a pay gap that new graduates can realistically expect as they begin their careers. Over the course of 3-5 years, an individual can progress from this entry point through the $23,162 mark at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary. Given the local job market, Davenport presents a fairly stable environment for fresh graduates, particularly with an annual growth rate of 2.32% anticipated in the sector, which could provide increased pay and opportunity over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Davenport
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 Davenport
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Davenport, IA typically start between $22,789 and $23,162 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,552 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,038 — 10.91% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Iowa of $3,200 represents just 14.04% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,789/year) in Davenport. 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 Davenport
- 1Research the Davenport market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,789 to $23,162, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Davenport, 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 Davenport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Davenport'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 Davenport is $14,552 ( 63.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,789, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,341.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,320
2025 BLS Actual
$22,272
2026 Current Est.
$22,789
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Davenport (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,260 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,789 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,317 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Davenport, IA grew -24.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,320 in 2021 to $22,272 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,317. New graduates entering the Davenport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davenport 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 Davenport
Looking at employment opportunities, several local employers in Davenport actively seek to hire new graduates with certifications such as CPC-A (apprentice) coders, particularly in third-party coding companies and payer audit teams that offer structured mentorship programs. Additionally, entry-level roles are available in outpatient settings, physician offices, and ambulatory surgical centers, with more complex positions like hospital inpatient coding requiring a CCS credential. Aspiring medical coders should consider pursuing certifications from AAPC or AHIMA to enhance their qualifications and starting pay. With a significant shift to remote work post-2020, continuing education on updated coding regulations, including the ICD-10-CM, has become essential. New entrants can expect to see salary growth from their initial roles as they gain experience, especially in high-demand specialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding, making Davenport a promising market for those starting their careers in this field.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
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 Davenport. 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