Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Duluth, MN: $27,619 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Duluth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,619 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Duluth's local price level (BEA RPP 88.8 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,114 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,753) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Starting out in Duluth as a medical billing and coding specialist offers new graduates a projected entry-level salary of approximately $27,619 in 2026. This starting pay, while a bit lower than the city median of $30,753, serves as a stepping stone for recent graduates, as earnings in the field can grow noticeably in the first few years. By advancing to the 25th percentile, new hires can expect to earn about $28,830 within a few years of gaining experience, with opportunities to reach closer to median pay as they sharpen their skills and gain practical experience. Given Duluth's relatively low cost of living index of 88.768, the entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in this region can also provide a comfortable lifestyle, making it an appealing market for new graduates looking to kickstart their career.
Career Earnings Timeline in Duluth
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 Duluth
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Duluth, MN typically start between $27,619 and $28,830 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,946 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,753 — 1.33% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 15.21% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($27,619/year) in Duluth. 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 Duluth
- 1Research the Duluth market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $27,619 to $28,830, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Duluth, 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 Duluth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Duluth'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 Duluth is $13,946 ( 50.49%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,619, experienced hygienists can earn up to $41,565.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,980
2025 BLS Actual
$26,993
2026 Current Est.
$27,619
2021–2027 Growth
+-23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Duluth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,993 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,619 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,260 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Duluth, MN grew -27.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,980 in 2021 to $26,993 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,260. New graduates entering the Duluth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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 Duluth
For new professionals entering the medical coding landscape in Duluth, several employers actively seek entry-level talent, including outpatient ASC facilities and physician group practices that appreciate the Assessor Certified Apprentice coders. Many positions are becoming increasingly available as the industry shifts toward remote work, especially after the changes sparked by the pandemic. Pursuing relevant credentials, such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS, can significantly bolster initial earning potential and enhance career prospects. Within the first three years, medical billing and coding specialists can expect their salary trajectory to improve, especially if they specialize in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which cater to Medicare Advantage plans. With ongoing learning requirements due to constant updates in ICD-10-CM and CPT codes, establishing a continuous education plan early in one’s career will be invaluable for sustained success in Duluth's competitive environment.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
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 Duluth. 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