Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Augusta, ME: $13,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Augusta, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $13,067 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Augusta's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,119 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,532) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Augusta, Maine can expect a starting salary significantly lower than the local median for the profession. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $13,067 annually, with many new specialists looking at salaries that hover around this figure. Over the first three to five years of their careers, entry-level coders may progress to earn around $14,623 at the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median annual pay of $16,532. This indicates that while entry-level pay is modest, there is potential for growth within the market. Overall, while Augusta’s job market for medical billing and coding may not be the highest-paying compared to other national averages — where the median stands at $30,349 — it still offers opportunities for new graduates to begin their careers.
About the Augusta Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Augusta
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 Augusta
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta, ME typically start between $13,067 and $14,623 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,106 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,532 — 45.53% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 34.44% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($13,067/year) in Augusta. 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 Augusta
- 1Research the Augusta market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $13,067 to $14,623, 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 ME often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Augusta, 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 Augusta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Augusta's moderate 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 Augusta is $12,106 ( 92.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $13,067, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,173.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$10,158
2025 BLS Actual
$12,771
2026 Current Est.
$13,067
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Augusta (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,158 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $12,108 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,547 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,771 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13,370 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Augusta, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,158 in 2021 to $12,771 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,370. New graduates entering the Augusta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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 Augusta
For those seeking entry-level roles in Augusta, various employers are open to hiring new graduates as medical billing and coding specialists. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often welcome certified professional coder apprentices (CPC-A) and provide structured mentorship. Additionally, opportunities exist with physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, which typically offer entry-level roles without needing advanced certifications. To enhance earning potential, aspiring coders should consider obtaining relevant credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC and AHIMA, such as the CPC, CCS, or CCS-P, as these certifications are valued among employers. Given the shift to remote work — with about 80% of medical coding positions being conducted from home following the pandemic — new entrants should engage in continuous learning, particularly in growing specialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding. Over the initial years, with the right credentials and experience, specialists in Augusta can expect gradual salary increases, reflecting not only their growing skills but the evolving needs of the healthcare industry.
More salary data for Augusta, ME:
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 Augusta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Augusta 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