Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Leominster, MA: $24,813 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Leominster, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,813 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leominster's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,869 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,891) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Leominster can expect an entry-level salary starting around $24,813 in 2026. While this figure falls below the city median of $32,891, it offers a clear pathway for growth as professionals gain experience. Over the first three to five years, many individuals can anticipate moving from this entry-level threshold to $27,651 at the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the median salary. With a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, the local market presents a promising foundation for new coders, particularly considering the rising demand in healthcare services and the shift towards remote work.
About the Leominster Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leominster
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 Leominster
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Leominster, MA typically start between $24,813 and $27,651 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,193 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,891 — 8.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.20% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,813/year) in Leominster. 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 Leominster
- 1Research the Leominster market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,813 to $27,651, 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 Leominster, 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 Leominster for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leominster'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 Leominster is $25,193 ( 101.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,813, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,006.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,630
2025 BLS Actual
$24,250
2026 Current Est.
$24,813
2021–2027 Growth
+-30.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Leominster (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,813 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,388 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Leominster, MA grew -33.8% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,630 in 2021 to $24,250 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,388. New graduates entering the Leominster job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leominster 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 Leominster
In Leominster, various employers actively seek out new graduates in medical billing and coding, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that typically hire CPC-A coders. Those looking for entry-level roles in outpatient settings often find opportunities with physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers. It's advisable for new coders to pursue certifications through AAPC or AHIMA to enhance their prospects, as credentials like the CPC (outpatient) or CCS (inpatient) can significantly increase starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in MA. Given that much of the industry has become remote post-2020 and the focus on continuous learning—especially in rapidly growing areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding—new professionals should anticipate salary growth during their first three years, positioning themselves effectively within Leominster's healthcare employment market.
More salary data for Leominster, 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 Leominster. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leominster 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