Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Plymouth, MA: $24,923 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,923 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,971 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,889) 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 Plymouth, Massachusetts, the projected starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in 2026 offers a mixed outlook. Entry-level positions pay around $24,923, which sets a foundation significantly below the city's median annual salary of $34,889. New coders can expect to gradually increase their earnings as they gain experience; with time and dedication, many will reach or exceed the 25th percentile mark of approximately $29,169 within their first 3-5 years. This pay trajectory highlights Plymouth's potential as a promising market for new coders, especially considering its competitive salary relative to the national annual median of $30,349.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Plymouth, MA typically start between $24,923 and $29,169 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,155 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,889 — 14.96% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.08% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,923/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,923 to $29,169, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $29,155 ( 116.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,923, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,078.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,374
2025 BLS Actual
$24,358
2026 Current Est.
$24,923
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Plymouth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,875 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,094 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,071 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,358 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,923 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,501 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,374 in 2021 to $24,358 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,501. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Employers in the Plymouth area that are known to welcome new graduates into the medical billing and coding profession include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often hire apprentice-level coders who benefit from structured mentorship. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers also frequently recruit for entry-level coding roles. To maximize starting pay in Massachusetts, acquiring credentials such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) can be advantageous. As the industry has shifted predominantly to remote work, continuing education is paramount due to ongoing updates in code sets like ICD-10-CM and CPT, as well as the growing focus on risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding. In the early years, entry-level coders can realistically achieve salary growth that reflects their increasing skill set and adaptability in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Plymouth, 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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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