Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Waltham, MA: $24,948 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Waltham, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,948 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waltham's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,994 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,721) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Waltham, Massachusetts, can expect an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary starting around $24,948. While this figure is significantly lower than the projected median annual salary of $33,721 for the city, it offers a realistic expectation for those just embarking on their careers. With the potential to grow from this initial salary to approximately $28,837 within the first few years, new coders can chart a path towards more favorable earnings as they gain experience and skills. Given Waltham's position as a healthcare hub, it remains a promising market for recent graduates, especially with a steady growth rate of 2.32% projected over the next few years.
About the Waltham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waltham
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 Waltham
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Waltham, MA typically start between $24,948 and $28,837 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,319 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,721 — 11.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.05% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,948/year) in Waltham. 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 Waltham
- 1Research the Waltham market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,948 to $28,837, 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 Waltham, 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 Waltham for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Waltham'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 Waltham is $27,319 ( 109.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,948, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,267.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,394
2025 BLS Actual
$24,382
2026 Current Est.
$24,948
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Waltham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,117 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,382 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,948 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,526 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Waltham, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,394 in 2021 to $24,382 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,526. New graduates entering the Waltham job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waltham 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 Waltham
Landing that first job can be facilitated by targeting employers who are known to hire entry-level coders. Many physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) recruit candidates for roles requiring either the AAPC CPC (outpatient) or the American Health Information Management Association’s (AHIMA) CCS for inpatient positions. Continuing education and obtaining certifications in specialized fields, such as risk adjustment or auditing, can further enhance salary prospects and job opportunities. The industry's trend towards remote work, with approximately 80% of coding positions being flexible, also provides an avenue for work-life balance. In this evolving environment, one can reasonably expect salary growth over the first three years, particularly if one stays updated on ICD-10-CM and CPT coding changes, as well as risks related to HCC coding, a high-demand area of specialization.
More salary data for Waltham, 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 Waltham. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waltham 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