Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Manhattan, KS: $22,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,124 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,538 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,922) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, those entering the field of medical billing and coding in Manhattan, Kansas, can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of approximately $22,124. This figure is substantially lower than the city's median annual salary of $27,922, indicating a notable gap that new graduates should be aware of. Over the first few years, many specialists can realistically anticipate growth in their earnings, progressing from the entry-level salary toward the 25th percentile mark of $24,724 and ultimately striving to reach the median. For recent graduates, the job market in Manhattan remains conducive to entry-level talent, especially amidst the remote work boom that has drastically reshaped the industry since 2020, creating new opportunities for positions that might have been less accessible before.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manhattan, KS typically start between $22,124 and $24,724 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,922 — 8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Kansas of $2,800 represents just 12.66% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,124/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,124 to $24,724, 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $23,988 ( 108.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,124, experienced hygienists can earn up to $46,112.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,290
2025 BLS Actual
$21,622
2026 Current Est.
$22,124
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Manhattan (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,420 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,637 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew -23.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,290 in 2021 to $21,622 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,637. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
Various employers in Manhattan are ready to welcome new graduates into the medical billing and coding realm. Opportunities abound in places like third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams that hire apprentice coders with structured mentorship. However, to maximize starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in KS, obtaining credentials such as the AAPC CPC or CPC-A would be beneficial. The increasing demand for risk adjustment and HCC coding, particularly with Medicare Advantage plans gaining traction, makes certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC and AHIMA even more relevant. As the market shifts closer to remote work, mastering ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates has become essential, demanding continuous professional development. In terms of salary growth, those in their first few years can expect realistic increases aligning with the 2.32% annual growth rate, while specialized skills may further enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Manhattan, 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 Manhattan. 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