Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Moorhead, MN: $12,954 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Moorhead, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,954 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moorhead's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,151 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moorhead, Minnesota, individuals just entering the field of medical billing and coding can expect a starting salary around $12,954 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the pay scale for entry-level positions, with newly minted graduates having the potential to earn up to $14,652 as they gain experience and insight into their roles. Compared to the city’s median annual salary of $16,675, entry-level wages may seem modest but they provide a pathway for growth within the profession. With a growth trajectory projected at 2.32% annually, entry-level coders in Moorhead can see their salaries rise significantly in the first few years as they develop their skills and assume more responsibilities in their roles. Given the current job market and demand for skilled professionals, Moorhead continues to present a viable opportunity for new graduates seeking to establish their careers.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moorhead
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 Moorhead
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Moorhead, MN typically start between $12,954 and $14,652 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,892 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,675 — 45.06% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 32.42% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,954/year) in Moorhead. 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 Moorhead
- 1Research the Moorhead market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,954 to $14,652, 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 Moorhead, 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 Moorhead for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moorhead'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 Moorhead is $12,892 ( 99.52%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,954, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,846.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$10,070
2025 BLS Actual
$12,660
2026 Current Est.
$12,954
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $12,003 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,954 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13,254 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Moorhead, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,070 in 2021 to $12,660 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,254. New graduates entering the Moorhead job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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 Moorhead
Employers in Moorhead that are likely to hire fresh graduates include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often seek candidates with CPC-A (apprentice) credentials for their structured mentorship programs. Physician group practices and outpatient facilities typically have entry-level CPC roles available, while hospital settings often require CCS qualifications for inpatient coding positions. To enhance their marketability and starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Moorhead, early-career coders should consider pursuing certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, such as CPC, CPC-A, or CCS-P, which can lead to better pay and job security. Additionally, understanding the nuances of risk adjustment and HCC coding can pay dividends, as these areas are experiencing substantial growth. With the profession increasingly shifting towards remote work, continuous learning is crucial; coders will need to stay updated with ICD-10-CM and CPT code revisions. Those who proactively engage in professional development during their first few years can expect a gradual but consistent increase in earnings, aligning their growth with industry trends and demands.
More salary data for Moorhead, 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 Moorhead. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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