Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Boston, MA: $27,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Boston, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,026 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Boston's local price level (BEA RPP 108.3 — 8% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,963 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,881) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Recently graduated medical billing and coding specialists seeking their first position in Boston, Massachusetts, can expect entry-level salaries starting around $27,026 in 2026. While this figure is notably below the city median of $35,881, it reflects the initial stages of a career that offers growth potential. As professionals gain experience, incomes can advance to the 25th percentile at about $29,175, with upward movement towards median levels becoming realistic within the first three to five years. With a steady growth rate of 2.32% annually, Boston remains a favorable market for new graduates eager to embark on their careers in this field, offering opportunities that can lead to more competitive salaries over time.
Career Earnings Timeline in Boston
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 Boston
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Boston, MA typically start between $27,026 and $29,175 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,792 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,881 — 18.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 24.05% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($27,026/year) in Boston. 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 Boston
- 1Research the Boston market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $27,026 to $29,175, 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 Boston, 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 Boston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Boston'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 Boston is $21,792 ( 80.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,026, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,818.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$37,110
2025 BLS Actual
$26,413
2026 Current Est.
$27,026
2021–2027 Growth
+-25.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Boston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,653 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Boston, MA grew -28.8% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,110 in 2021 to $26,413 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,653. New graduates entering the Boston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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 Boston
Boston employers looking to onboard entry-level medical billing and coding specialists often include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which are ideal settings for new graduates seeking mentorship and guidance. Many physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers provide entry-level positions that do not require extensive experience. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, obtaining the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) credential can be beneficial, alongside the AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) certifications. As a rapidly evolving field, medical coding has shifted predominantly towards remote work, with many roles offering flexibility in location. Continuous education on evolving code sets—such as ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates—is key for new graduates to maintain relevancy, particularly within high-demand areas like risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding. In this dynamic market, realistic salary growth in the initial years can be anticipated, as specialists leverage credentials and keep pace with industry advancements, setting the stage for long-term career success in Boston.
More salary data for Boston, 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 Boston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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