Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lowell, MA: $25,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,745 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,749) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Lowell, Massachusetts, the starting pay presents a realistic view of the profession's entry-level landscape. In 2026, the entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Lowell is projected to begin at $25,745, compared to a median annual salary of $34,749 for the city. This indicates a gap that new entrants can expect as they move from entry-level roles to more experienced positions. Over the first three to five years, they can anticipate salary growth that reaches as high as $29,832 in the 25th percentile before potentially hitting the median salary. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, Lowell currently offers a promising environment for those looking to start their career in medical billing and coding.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lowell, MA typically start between $25,745 and $29,832 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,116 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,749 — 14.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 25.25% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,745/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,745 to $29,832, 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $28,116 ( 109.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,745, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,861.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,013
2025 BLS Actual
$25,161
2026 Current Est.
$25,745
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lowell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,013 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,564 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,161 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,342 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,013 in 2021 to $25,161 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,342. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
New graduates may find opportunities with various employers in Lowell, including third-party coding companies, which often hire apprentice coders providing structured mentorship. Physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) may offer entry-level positions that require a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or CPC-A credential. For those interested in inpatient coding, additional certifications such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) are typically required. Attaining credentials from AAPC or AHIMA can elevate starting pay in Massachusetts, with ongoing education in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates essential for staying current in a rapidly evolving field. The trend towards remote work has also changed the industry dynamic, making it increasingly important for new coders to specialize in high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding. Realistic salary growth expectations over the initial years can vary, but it's common for new coders to see marked increases as they gain experience and additional qualifications.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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