Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Grand Rapids, MI: $23,043 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Grand Rapids, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,043 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Rapids's local price level (BEA RPP 95.54% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,117 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,948) within a few years of clinical practice.

$23,043
Starting Salary
$11.08/hr
Starting Hourly
$23,043
Entry Level
$28,948
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

New graduates aiming to become medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Rapids can expect a starting salary of around $23,043, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $28,948. This entry-level pay places new coders at approximately 20% below the city average, highlighting the pay progression that occurs as one gains experience. Over the first few years, as entry-level professionals advance to a potential salary of $26,563 at the 25th percentile, they may ultimately reach the median wage within a 3-5 year timeframe. This growth trajectory signals that while starting pay may not be as high in Grand Rapids compared to some other regions, the job market remains promising for new entrants in the field, particularly as ongoing healthcare requirements contribute to workforce demand.

Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Rapids

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$23,043/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$26,563/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$28,948/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$36,254/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Rapids

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Rapids. The median salary is $28,948, compared to the national median of $30,349.$20.7K$28.2K$35.7K$43.1K$50.6K$23.0K10th Pctl$26.6K25th Pctl$28.9KMedian$36.3K75th Pctl$48.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Rapids, MI typically start between $23,043 and $26,563 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,122 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,9484.62% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,800
Avg MI Program Cost
$23,043
Starting Salary
16.49%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Michigan of $3,800 represents just 16.49% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,043/year) in Grand Rapids. 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 Grand Rapids

  • 1Research the Grand Rapids market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,043 to $26,563, 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 Grand Rapids, 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 Grand Rapids for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Grand Rapids'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 Grand Rapids is $25,122 ( 109.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,043, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,165.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$29,510

2025 BLS Actual

$22,521

2026 Current Est.

$23,043

2021–2027 Growth

+-20.1%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Grand Rapids (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 Grand Rapids. Baseline $29,510 in 2025, projected to $23,578 by 2027.$19.5K$24.8K$30.1K$35.4K$40.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.5K$34.4K$36.9K$37.7K$22.5K$23.0K$23.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$29,510Actual
2022$34,370Actual
2023$36,850Actual
2024$37,690Actual
2025$22,521Actual
2026(current)$23,043Estimated
2027$23,578Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Rapids, MI grew -23.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,510 in 2021 to $22,521 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,578. New graduates entering the Grand Rapids job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids

In Grand Rapids, various employers actively seek to hire new graduates in this field, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that often prefer candidates with certifications like AAPC's CPC-A (apprentice). Entry-level positions are available in physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs), while hospitals usually require CCS credentials for inpatient coding opportunities. For those wishing to increase their starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Grand Rapids, pursuing additional credentials can make a noticeable difference. Knowledge of the ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets is crucial, as is staying informed about the latest updates, given that around 80% of coding jobs have moved to remote work. New coders should focus on the fast-growing areas of risk adjustment and HCC coding, where opportunities are expanding. Those who strategically enhance their skills through continued education and relevant certifications can realistically expect their pay to grow in the range of $26,000 to $36,000 within the first few years in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Rapids start at approximately $23,043/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 $11.08/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 Grand Rapids?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Rapids progress from the entry-level salary of $23,043 to the area median of $28,948 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $48,165 (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 Grand Rapids?

With a starting salary of $23,043/year in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Grand Rapids typically start near the 10th percentile at $23,043/year, or approximately $11.08/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 Grand Rapids. 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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