Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Ann Arbor, MI: $24,130 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Ann Arbor, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,130 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ann Arbor's local price level (BEA RPP 100.91% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,920 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,044) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,130
Starting Salary
$11.60/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,130
Entry Level
$37,044
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding profession in Ann Arbor, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected to begin at around $24,130 in 2026. This figure reflects a considerable gap from the city’s median annual salary of $37,044, highlighting the natural progression expected in early career stages. New graduates can anticipate a gradual salary increase as they gain experience, with potential earnings increasing to approximately $29,560 by the 25th percentile and higher as they advance in their careers, with the median salary essentially serving as a benchmark for what they can expect within the first few years. Given Ann Arbor's robust healthcare landscape and the projected growth rate for this role at 2.32%, this city represents a promising market for new entrants.

Career Earnings Timeline in Ann Arbor

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,130/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$29,560/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$37,044/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$38,996/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ann Arbor

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Ann Arbor. The median salary is $37,044, compared to the national median of $30,349.$21.7K$28.3K$34.9K$41.5K$48.0K$24.1K10th Pctl$29.6K25th Pctl$37.0KMedian$39.0K75th Pctl$45.7K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Ann Arbor, MI typically start between $24,130 and $29,560 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,613 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,04422.06% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,800
Avg MI Program Cost
$24,130
Starting Salary
15.75%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Michigan of $3,800 represents just 15.75% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,130/year) in Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor

  • 1Research the Ann Arbor market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,130 to $29,560, 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 MI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Ann Arbor, 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 Ann Arbor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Ann Arbor'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 Ann Arbor is $21,613 ( 89.57%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,130, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,743.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$37,070

2025 BLS Actual

$23,583

2026 Current Est.

$24,130

2021–2027 Growth

+-33.4%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Ann Arbor (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 Ann Arbor. Baseline $37,070 in 2025, projected to $24,690 by 2027.$20.4K$26.0K$31.5K$37.1K$42.6K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$37.1K$36.1K$39.5K$39.2K$23.6K$24.1K$24.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$37,070Actual
2022$36,090Actual
2023$39,460Actual
2024$39,230Actual
2025$23,583Actual
2026(current)$24,130Estimated
2027$24,690Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Ann Arbor, MI grew -36.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,070 in 2021 to $23,583 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,690. New graduates entering the Ann Arbor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor

In terms of job opportunities, several employers in Ann Arbor actively seek entry-level medical coding specialists, particularly within third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that hire CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) frequently offer entry-level positions for coding specialists, while hospital inpatient coding typically requires a CCS credential. New professionals can enhance their starting pay in MI by obtaining recognized credentials such as AAPC's CPC or CPC-A, AHIMA's CCS, or CCS-P, alongside proficiency in relevant code sets like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. In the first few years in this role, realistic salary growth might reflect incremental raises aligning with new skills learned, particularly as the sector has transitioned to approximately 80% remote work since 2020. As risk adjustment coding, especially in relation to Medicare Advantage and the ACA marketplace, continues to expand, coding specialists who pursue additional training in these areas will find themselves positioned for improved opportunities and a higher salary trajectory.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Ann Arbor start at approximately $24,130/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 $11.60/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 Ann Arbor?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Ann Arbor progress from the entry-level salary of $24,130 to the area median of $37,044 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $45,743 (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 Ann Arbor?

With a starting salary of $24,130/year in Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Ann Arbor typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,130/year, or approximately $11.60/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 Michigan?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Michigan, 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 Michigan, 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 Michigan

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 Ann Arbor. 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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