Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Salem, MA: $26,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Salem, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,004 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Salem's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,967 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,389) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Salem, Massachusetts, realistic salary expectations in 2026 can start at around $26,004 annually. This figure serves as a potential entry point for recent graduates stepping into their first roles, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $33,389. Over the first few years, there’s a promising trajectory for salary growth, with many early-career specialists advancing to the 25th percentile, earning approximately $29,421. With a projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, the job market for entry-level medical billing and coding roles in Salem appears to be stable, making it a reasonable choice for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in this field.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Salem
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 Salem
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Salem, MA typically start between $26,004 and $29,421 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,389 — 10.02% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 25.00% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($26,004/year) in Salem. 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 Salem
- 1Research the Salem market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $26,004 to $29,421, 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 Salem, 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 Salem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Salem'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 Salem is $25,749 ( 99.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,004, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,753.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,214
2025 BLS Actual
$25,414
2026 Current Est.
$26,004
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,214 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,607 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Salem, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,214 in 2021 to $25,414 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,607. New graduates entering the Salem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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 Salem
In Salem, various employers actively recruit new graduates for medical billing and coding positions. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams typically hire individuals with the CPC-A designation, where structured mentorship can significantly enhance on-the-job training. Physician group practices and outpatient surgery centers offer entry-level roles for certified professionals, while inpatient coding jobs often require additional certifications like CCS. Credentials such as CPC from AAPC or CCS from AHIMA, along with proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets, can positively impact starting pay in MA. Given that the industry has increasingly shifted to remote work—about 80% post-2020—new coders must remain adaptable and committed to continuous learning. Focusing on the highest-growth specialties, such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, can lead to more substantial career advancement and salary growth within the first three years.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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