Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Biddeford, ME: $12,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Biddeford, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,309 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biddeford's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,358 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,587) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Biddeford, Maine, can result in an annual salary that begins at approximately $12,309. For new graduates exploring opportunities in 2026, this entry-level pay is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $16,587, creating a significant gap for fresh professionals. However, as they gain experience, they can anticipate gradual salary increases, with the potential to earn around $14,088 at the 25th percentile and possibly reaching the median salary over the first few years. This modest growth trajectory, reflective of a 2.32% annual increase, suggests that while Biddeford presents opportunities for newcomers, those entering the field should brace for a starting pay that is below the national median of $30,349.
About the Biddeford Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biddeford
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 Biddeford
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Biddeford, ME typically start between $12,309 and $14,088 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,063 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,587 — 45.35% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 36.56% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,309/year) in Biddeford. 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 Biddeford
- 1Research the Biddeford market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,309 to $14,088, 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 Biddeford, 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 Biddeford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biddeford'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 Biddeford is $12,063 ( 98.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,309, experienced hygienists can earn up to $24,372.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,569
2025 BLS Actual
$12,030
2026 Current Est.
$12,309
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Biddeford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,310 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,030 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,595 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Biddeford, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,569 in 2021 to $12,030 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,595. New graduates entering the Biddeford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biddeford 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 Biddeford
In Biddeford, several types of employers actively recruit new graduates for medical billing and coding roles. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, in particular, are open to hiring CPC-A (apprentice) coders and providing structured mentorship, which can be invaluable for entry-level individuals seeking to hone their skills. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) offer entry-level CPC roles that enable recent graduates to gain firsthand experience. To enhance earning potential, acquiring credentials through AAPC or AHIMA, such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS, is recommended. Maintaining proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, along with focusing on risk adjustment and HCC coding, can lead to higher-paying opportunities in the first few years. Since remote work has become the norm, individuals should also be prepared for continuous learning in an evolving coding landscape. Realistically, salary growth could place new graduates well above the entry level within a few years, fostering both career satisfaction and financial stability.
More salary data for Biddeford, 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 Biddeford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biddeford 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