Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Hays, KS: $12,110 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Hays, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,110 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hays's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,322 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($14,982) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Hays, Kansas, can anticipate starting their careers with salaries around $12,110, which is the 10th percentile for entry-level positions. This entry-level figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $14,982, suggesting that the initial phase of a coding career may not adequately reflect the median experience and skill level required in the profession. However, as individuals gain experience over a few years, they can realistically expect their salaries to progress through the 25th percentile ($13,457) toward the median, creating a potential pathway for improved earning as they refine their skills and enhance their credentials. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, this local market offers reasonable opportunities for new graduates to establish themselves and work towards higher pay scales in their early careers.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hays
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 Hays
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Hays, KS typically start between $12,110 and $13,457 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $10,466 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $14,982 — 50.63% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 23.12% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,110/year) in Hays. 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 Hays
- 1Research the Hays market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,110 to $13,457, 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 Hays, 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 Hays for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hays'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 Hays is $10,466 ( 86.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,110, experienced hygienists can earn up to $22,576.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,414
2025 BLS Actual
$11,835
2026 Current Est.
$12,110
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Hays (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,414 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,221 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,167 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,835 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,110 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,391 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Hays, KS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,414 in 2021 to $11,835 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,391. New graduates entering the Hays job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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 Hays
In Hays, various healthcare employers actively seek to fill entry-level coding positions with new graduates. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often cater to apprentice coders, providing structured mentorship that is crucial for professional development. Moreover, local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) are also common entry points for fresh CPC-A coders. For those looking to increase their starting pay in Kansas, pursuing credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC (Certified Professional Coder) or AHIMA (Certified Coding Specialist) can be advantageous. First-year and second-year coders should emphasize continual learning through structured programs, especially as medical coding shifts towards almost complete remote work participation following the pandemic. The focus on risk adjustment and HCC coding, crucial for Medicare Advantage plans and ACA marketplaces, represents a key growth area in the field. Given these dynamics, young coders in Hays can see modest salary growth as they advance their competencies, with realistic expectations suggesting they could earn significantly more within just a few years in the profession.
More salary data for Hays, 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 Hays. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hays 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