Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Dartmouth, MA: $24,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Dartmouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,145 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dartmouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,253 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,754) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field as medical billing and coding specialists in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, the 2026 projections indicate a starting annual salary around $24,145. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range, underscoring the gap new coders will need to bridge before achieving the median salary of $33,754 in the city. In these early years, many early-career professionals can expect to move from the lower percentile to the 25th percentile salary of $28,127 as they gain experience and proficiency in essential coding tasks. Given the local job market, which includes opportunities within hospitals and outpatient centers, Dartmouth positions itself reasonably well for entry-level roles, providing viable paths for recent graduates to establish themselves in medical coding.
About the Dartmouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Dartmouth, MA typically start between $24,145 and $28,127 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,174 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,754 — 11.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.92% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,145/year) in Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth
- 1Research the Dartmouth market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,145 to $28,127, 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 Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dartmouth'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 Dartmouth is $28,174 ( 116.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,145, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,319.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,770
2025 BLS Actual
$23,598
2026 Current Est.
$24,145
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Dartmouth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,224 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,611 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,598 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,706 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Dartmouth, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,770 in 2021 to $23,598 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,706. New graduates entering the Dartmouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth
For those starting their careers, various employers in Dartmouth actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often welcome candidates with CPC-A (apprentice) credentials, offering structured mentorship. Alternatively, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers also provide entry-level positions for coders, where certifications from AAPC or AHIMA can enhance one's prospects and starting pay. To thrive in this evolving field, candidates should focus on acquiring credentials—such as AAPC’s CPC for outpatient coding or AHIMA’s CCS for inpatient coding—and continuously improve their knowledge of coding updates like ICD-10-CM and CPT. With around 80% of medical coding positions now being remote, developing proficiencies in risk adjustment and HCC coding can further bolster earning potential as new professionals typically see salary growth through years one to three, transitioning towards more competitive pay in a market where they are increasingly in demand.
More salary data for Dartmouth, 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 Dartmouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dartmouth 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