Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Springfield, MA: $24,397 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Springfield, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,397 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Springfield's local price level (BEA RPP 96.14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,397 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,456) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,397
Starting Salary
$11.74/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,397
Entry Level
$34,456
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Springfield, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Springfield, MA medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Springfield, Massachusetts can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary around $24,397 in 2026. This entry-level pay may seem low when compared to the median annual salary of $34,456 in the area, indicating a potential gap of over $10,000. Nevertheless, there is a growth trajectory for these specialists: with experience, one can transition to the 25th percentile earning $28,409, and eventually reach the median salary within the first few years of employment. Overall, Springfield presents a moderate market for new grads, underlined by an annual growth rate of 2.32%, making it a viable option for aspiring coders looking to establish a foothold in the industry.

Career Earnings Timeline in Springfield

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,397/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$28,409/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$34,456/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$38,420/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield. The median salary is $34,456, compared to the national median of $30,349.$22.0K$28.9K$35.8K$42.7K$49.6K$24.4K10th Pctl$28.4K25th Pctl$34.5KMedian$38.4K75th Pctl$47.3K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield, MA typically start between $24,397 and $28,409 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,854 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,45613.53% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Springfield metro area.

Return on Investment

$6,500
Avg MA Program Cost
$24,397
Starting Salary
26.64%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.64% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,397/year) in Springfield. 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 Springfield

  • 1Research the Springfield market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,397 to $28,409, 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 Springfield, 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 Springfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Springfield'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 Springfield is $22,854 ( 93.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,397, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,251.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$36,380

2025 BLS Actual

$23,844

2026 Current Est.

$24,397

2021–2027 Growth

+-31.4%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Springfield (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield. Baseline $36,380 in 2025, projected to $24,963 by 2027.$20.7K$26.2K$31.8K$37.3K$42.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.4K$37.2K$38.2K$39.7K$23.8K$24.4K$25.0K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$36,380Actual
2022$37,220Actual
2023$38,180Actual
2024$39,710Actual
2025$23,844Actual
2026(current)$24,397Estimated
2027$24,963Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Springfield, MA grew -34.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,380 in 2021 to $23,844 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,963. New graduates entering the Springfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Springfield

For those eyeing positions in Springfield, numerous healthcare employers actively seek early-career professionals. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams are particularly keen on hiring those with CPC-A (apprentice) credentials, often offering structured mentorship to help them succeed. In outpatient settings or physician group practices, entry-level roles frequently require a CPC certification. To boost starting pay in Massachusetts, obtaining credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS is advisable, as these qualifications can enhance job prospects and elevate earning potential. As professionals navigate their first few years, focusing on continued education will be key due to the evolving nature of coding with remote work becoming the norm since 2020. Knowledge in areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding has become increasingly sought after, presenting a promising growth avenue in this sector. Career aspirations for entry-level coders should include realistic pay expectations, anticipating progress from early earnings into a more competitive salary bracket as they gain experience and expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield start at approximately $24,397/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $11.73/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Springfield?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Springfield progress from the entry-level salary of $24,397 to the area median of $34,456 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $47,251 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Springfield?

With a starting salary of $24,397/year in Springfield and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Springfield?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Springfield typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,397/year, or approximately $11.73/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Massachusetts?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Massachusetts, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Massachusetts, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Springfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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

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