Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Worcester, MA: $22,242 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Worcester, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,242 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Worcester's local price level (BEA RPP 102.5 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,695 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,296) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Worcester offers a promising start for those pursuing entry-level roles as medical billing and coding specialists. In 2026, fresh graduates can anticipate a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of $22,242. While this amount sits below the overall median annual salary for this occupation in the city, which stands at $30,296, it represents a practical entry point into the industry. Over the first few years, individuals can expect to see salary growth as they gain experience. The trajectory often leads from the starting salary of $22,242 to $26,699 at the 25th percentile, eventually progressing toward the median as their skill set expands. The current job market in Worcester is favorable for new grads, providing ample opportunities to build a career in medical billing and coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Worcester
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 Worcester
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Worcester, MA typically start between $22,242 and $26,699 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,606 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,296 — 0.17% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 29.22% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,242/year) in Worcester. 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 Worcester
- 1Research the Worcester market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,242 to $26,699, 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 Worcester, 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 Worcester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Worcester'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 Worcester is $22,606 ( 101.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,242, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,848.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$37,070
2025 BLS Actual
$21,738
2026 Current Est.
$22,242
2021–2027 Growth
+-38.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Worcester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,400 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,738 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,242 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,758 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Worcester, MA grew -41.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,070 in 2021 to $21,738 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,758. New graduates entering the Worcester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Worcester 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 Worcester
For those new to the field, various employers in Worcester are actively seeking candidates with entry-level credentials. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) often require candidates to hold certifications such as the AAPC CPC-A (apprentice) or a similar credential from AHIMA. These positions typically incorporate structured mentorship, essential for accelerated professional development. Additionally, understanding and proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets will significantly boost New grad medical billing and coding specialist pay MA. As remote work options now dominate the field, new coders can expect flexible job environments that evolve with ongoing training due to yearly updates and shifting regulatory standards. As individuals advance within their first three years, realistic salary increases can be anticipated based on these training opportunities and specialization in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding.
More salary data for Worcester, 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 Worcester. 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