Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Dracut, MA: $25,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,566 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,563 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,193) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding profession in Dracut, Massachusetts, the 2026 projected salary reflects a starting pay that may initially seem modest. With an entry-level figure at $25,566, newcomers can expect to earn less than the city’s median annual salary of $33,193. However, the potential for growth exists, with the possibility to advance to $29,005 within a few years. Over a typical three to five-year period, as skills are developed and experience is gained, it’s realistic for individuals to approach the median salary, benefitting from the projected annual growth rate of 2.32%. Given these conditions, Dracut presents a viable market for fresh graduates looking to kickstart their careers in medical coding.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
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 Dracut
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Dracut, MA typically start between $25,566 and $29,005 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,497 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,193 — 9.37% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 25.42% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,566/year) in Dracut. 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 Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,566 to $29,005, 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 Dracut, 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 Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut'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 Dracut is $25,497 ( 99.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,566, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,063.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,874
2025 BLS Actual
$24,986
2026 Current Est.
$25,566
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Dracut (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,874 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,291 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,986 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,159 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,874 in 2021 to $24,986 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,159. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
In Dracut, local employers frequently hire new graduates from medical billing and coding programs, particularly third-party coding firms and payer audit teams that actively seek out apprentice coders. Many physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers also offer entry-level roles requiring a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) designation or the apprentice (CPC-A) credential. Continuing education and specialized training in coding — particularly for ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding — can significantly enhance earning potential in Massachusetts. For those looking to advance during their first few years, focusing on certification from recognized bodies such as the AAPC or AHIMA is advisable. Given the trend toward remote work, the demand for coders well-versed in new coding standards and who maintain current knowledge will only continue to grow, fostering career opportunities and salary increases as new professionals evolve their skills in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Dracut, 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 Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut 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