Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Fridley, MN: $12,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Fridley, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,335 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fridley's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,523 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,445) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the medical billing and coding field in Fridley, MN, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in 2026 is projected to be $12,335, which underscores the need for new graduates to set realistic expectations as they begin their careers. With a median salary of $16,445 in the city, there is a noticeable gap, but this entry-point position offers a pathway toward financial advancement. Over the first few years, starting salaries can rise, giving newcomers the potential to reach $14,176 within a few years, while gaining experience and skills may ultimately help them achieve the median salary. Fridley currently offers a modest job market, suggesting opportunities, albeit with the understanding that growth will require dedication and continued learning.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fridley
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 Fridley
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Fridley, MN typically start between $12,335 and $14,176 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,155 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,445 — 45.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 34.05% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,335/year) in Fridley. 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 Fridley
- 1Research the Fridley market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,335 to $14,176, 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 Fridley, 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 Fridley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fridley'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 Fridley is $13,155 ( 106.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,335, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,490.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,589
2025 BLS Actual
$12,055
2026 Current Est.
$12,335
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Fridley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,589 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,331 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,429 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,055 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,621 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Fridley, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,589 in 2021 to $12,055 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,621. New graduates entering the Fridley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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 Fridley
In Fridley, various employers are on the lookout for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that actively recruit CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) frequently hire new graduates in entry-level CPC roles. As the healthcare industry evolves, possessing relevant credentials like AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS can significantly boost starting pay and job prospects. Given that medical coding has transitioned to approximately 80% remote positions post-2020, the emphasis on continual education around ICD-10-CM, quarterly CPT updates, and risk adjustment coding is ever more vital. New professionals in this field should anticipate a gradual salary increase during their first three years, especially if they pursue certifications aligned with the industry's high-growth areas, such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are increasingly in demand in the evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Fridley, 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 Fridley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fridley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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