Medical Billing Salary

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 99.60% 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.

$13,067
Starting Salary
$6.28/hr
Starting Hourly
$13,067
Entry Level
$16,532
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Augusta, ME — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Augusta, ME medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$13,067/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$14,623/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$16,532/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$20,704/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta. The median salary is $16,532, compared to the national median of $30,349.$11.8K$16.8K$21.8K$26.8K$31.9K$13.1K10th Pctl$14.6K25th Pctl$16.5KMedian$20.7K75th Pctl$25.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

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 $16,53245.53% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Augusta metro area.

Return on Investment

$4,500
Avg ME Program Cost
$13,067
Starting Salary
34.44%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta. Baseline $10,158 in 2025, projected to $13,370 by 2027.$4.9K$14.1K$23.4K$32.6K$41.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$10.2K$10.9K$12.1K$36.5K$12.8K$13.1K$13.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$10,158Actual
2022$10,945Actual
2023$12,108Actual
2024$36,547Actual
2025$12,771Actual
2026(current)$13,067Estimated
2027$13,370Projected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta start at approximately $13,067/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $6.28/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Augusta?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Augusta progress from the entry-level salary of $13,067 to the area median of $16,532 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $25,173 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Augusta?

With a starting salary of $13,067/year in Augusta and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Augusta?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Augusta typically start near the 10th percentile at $13,067/year, or approximately $6.28/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Maine?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Maine, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Maine, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Maine

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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