Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Brunswick, ME: $12,792 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Brunswick, ME job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,792 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 99.6 — 0% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,843 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,223) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical billing and coding field in Brunswick, ME, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to be $12,792 in 2026. This represents a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $16,223, indicating that entry-level professionals can expect to earn less than the average for all positions. However, new graduates can anticipate a growth trajectory where salaries might rise from $12,792 at the 10th percentile to $14,339 at the 25th percentile, moving towards the median as they gain experience over the first three to five years. Brunswick presents a viable job market for recent graduates, with opportunities available that can facilitate their entry into this essential healthcare sector.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Brunswick, ME typically start between $12,792 and $14,339 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,847 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,223 — 46.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Maine of $4,500 represents just 35.18% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,792/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,792 to $14,339, 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 Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $11,847 ( 92.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,792, experienced hygienists can earn up to $24,639.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,944
2025 BLS Actual
$12,502
2026 Current Est.
$12,792
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Brunswick (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,502 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,792 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13,089 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, ME grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,944 in 2021 to $12,502 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,089. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
In Brunswick, various employers are looking for newly certified professionals in medical billing and coding, including third-party coding firms, payer coding audit teams, and physician group practices. Entry-level positions often require credentials such as the AAPC’s Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A) or similar qualifications from AHIMA. Obtaining additional certifications in inpatient coding, such as the CCS or CCS-P, can enhance starting pay and job prospects. Given the shift to remote work post-2020, it’s crucial for new coders to remain current with advancements in coding practices, especially ICD-10-CM updates and newly released CPT codes. Furthermore, specialization in areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding is growing rapidly, offering lucrative career paths. In terms of salary advancement, individuals can expect steady growth as they build experience, with more seasoned coders earning significantly higher annual salaries over the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Maine?
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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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brunswick 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