Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Billerica, MA: $23,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Billerica, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,682 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billerica's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,558) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billerica, Massachusetts, the starting salary for aspiring medical billing and coding specialists is projected to be around $23,682 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tier of entry-level wages, significantly below the city's median annual salary of $33,558. For new graduates just entering this field, it is crucial to have realistic expectations about the initial compensation. However, this starting point provides a solid foundation for salary growth; over the first few years, one can realistically transition to figures around $29,769, eventually reaching the median salary as they gain more experience and skills. Given Billerica's growing healthcare sector, recent graduates have a promising opportunity in this market, particularly with the increasing reliance on medical billing and coding, which has shifted toward remote work setups since 2020.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billerica
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 Billerica
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Billerica, MA typically start between $23,682 and $29,769 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,332 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,558 — 10.57% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 27.45% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,682/year) in Billerica. 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 Billerica
- 1Research the Billerica market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,682 to $29,769, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billerica, 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 Billerica for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billerica'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 Billerica is $28,332 ( 119.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,682, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,014.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,410
2025 BLS Actual
$23,145
2026 Current Est.
$23,682
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Billerica (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,410 | Actual |
| 2022 | $19,836 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,944 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,231 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Billerica, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,410 in 2021 to $23,145 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,231. New graduates entering the Billerica job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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 Billerica
Employers in Billerica looking to hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists are typically third-party coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and local healthcare facilities like physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). These positions often welcome candidates with CPC-A (apprentice) credentials, providing necessary mentorship to newcomers. To enhance earning potential, obtaining relevant certifications from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA is advisable, with credentials such as CPC, CCS-P, or CRC helping new coders stand out. Over the first three years, as medical coding continues to embrace remote work, staying updated with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets will be essential. Furthermore, specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding could lead to substantial salary growth. With a commitment to continuous learning and professional development, new grads can expect to see their starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Billerica reflect their dedication and skills over time.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
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 Billerica. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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