Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Emporia, KS: $11,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Emporia, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $11,606 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Emporia's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,768 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($14,772) 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 Emporia, Kansas, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be $11,606 in 2026. This figure represents a critical entry point, significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $14,772. Over the first few years, new coders can expect to see wage growth as they gain experience; moving up to $13,015 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median salary with diligent effort and skill development. In light of the $30,349 national median, aspiring specialists should set realistic salary expectations as they begin their careers, while also recognizing the opportunities to advance their earnings with time and continuing education.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Emporia
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 Emporia
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Emporia, KS typically start between $11,606 and $13,015 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,773 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $14,772 — 51.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 24.13% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($11,606/year) in Emporia. 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 Emporia
- 1Research the Emporia market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $11,606 to $13,015, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Emporia, 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 Emporia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Emporia'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 Emporia is $10,773 ( 92.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $11,606, experienced hygienists can earn up to $22,379.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,022
2025 BLS Actual
$11,343
2026 Current Est.
$11,606
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Emporia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,022 | Actual |
| 2022 | $9,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $10,754 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,858 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,343 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $11,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $11,875 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Emporia, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,022 in 2021 to $11,343 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $11,875. New graduates entering the Emporia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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 Emporia
In Emporia, a variety of employers actively seek new grads in this profession, including third-party coding companies, payer audit teams, and local physician practices. Entry-level positions often require either an AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA certification, which can serve as valuable assets for securing a first job. To maximize their starting pay in Kansas, newly minted coders should also consider pursuing additional credentials, such as CCS or specialty certifications in risk adjustment coding, as these can enhance job prospects. The shift toward remote work has opened up more options in the industry, making it crucial for newcomers to stay updated on ICD-10-CM and CPT changes. With entry-level salaries expected to trend upwards, those who invest in their professional development within the first three years can anticipate meaningful growth in their earning potential, especially as they specialize in high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding, which has seen significant growth in recent years.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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 Emporia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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