Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Jackson, MI: $21,619 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Jackson, MI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,619 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 91.88% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,555 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,863) within a few years of clinical practice.

$21,619
Starting Salary
$10.40/hr
Starting Hourly
$21,619
Entry Level
$27,863
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

For new graduates entering the workforce in Jackson, Michigan, the entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in 2026 stands at around $21,619, which is below the city's overall median of $27,863. This starting pay reflects the beginning of a career path that can lead to greater earnings over time. With experience and skill development, early-career professionals can expect to progress to a salary of approximately $26,248 within a few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 2.32% in this field, Jackson currently presents a viable opportunity for new graduates looking to establish their careers in medical billing and coding, although they should be prepared for wages that may initially be modest.

Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$21,619/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$26,248/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$27,863/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$33,227/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jackson

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson. The median salary is $27,863, compared to the national median of $30,349.$19.5K$25.8K$32.1K$38.4K$44.7K$21.6K10th Pctl$26.2K25th Pctl$27.9KMedian$33.2K75th Pctl$42.6K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson, MI typically start between $21,619 and $26,248 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,991 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,8638.19% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,800
Avg MI Program Cost
$21,619
Starting Salary
17.58%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Michigan of $3,800 represents just 17.58% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,619/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson

  • 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,619 to $26,248, 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 Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Jackson's below-average 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 Jackson is $20,991 ( 97.10%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,619, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,610.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$29,010

2025 BLS Actual

$21,129

2026 Current Est.

$21,619

2021–2027 Growth

+-23.7%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Jackson (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 Jackson. Baseline $29,010 in 2025, projected to $22,121 by 2027.$18.3K$23.2K$28.1K$33.0K$37.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$29.0K$31.4K$31.2K$35.0K$21.1K$21.6K$22.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$29,010Actual
2022$31,350Actual
2023$31,200Actual
2024$35,040Actual
2025$21,129Actual
2026(current)$21,619Estimated
2027$22,121Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MI grew -27.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,010 in 2021 to $21,129 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,121. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Jackson, various employers are open to hiring entry-level candidates, creating opportunities for those pursuing positions in the medical billing and coding realm. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often seek out CPC-A (apprentice) coders ready for structured mentorship. New grads can also find roles in physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers, where entry-level CPC positions are available. Pursuing relevant credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can enhance starting compensation substantially. Continuous education is vital in this field, especially with the shift to remote work for roughly 80% of coding positions post-2020. Professionals should focus on expanding their skills in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, along with gaining knowledge in risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are rapidly growing areas. As new coders progress through their first three years, realistic expectations indicate steady salary growth, rewarding those who actively pursue further certifications and specialized knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson start at approximately $21,619/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 $10.39/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 Jackson?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson progress from the entry-level salary of $21,619 to the area median of $27,863 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $42,610 (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 Jackson?

With a starting salary of $21,619/year in Jackson 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 Jackson?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Jackson typically start near the 10th percentile at $21,619/year, or approximately $10.39/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 Jackson. 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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