Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Savage, MN: $13,168 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Savage, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $13,168 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Savage's local price level (BEA RPP 98.51% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,369 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,763) within a few years of clinical practice.

$13,168
Starting Salary
$6.33/hr
Starting Hourly
$13,168
Entry Level
$16,763
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

New graduates stepping into the world of medical billing and coding in Savage, Minnesota can expect an entry-level salary that begins at around $13,168, a figure that reflects the lower end of the pay scale for this career. The projected 2026 median annual salary of $16,763 suggests that new coders can realistically expect to earn close to this figure as they gain experience, though there remains a notable gap between entry-level pay and the overall median for specialists in the area. Those starting in this field should view the initial years as a period of growth, anticipating gradual increases as they move through the pay brackets. With a projected growth rate of 2.32%, the medical billing and coding sector in Savage appears to be stable and could present a reasonable opportunity for new graduates looking to start their careers.

About the Savage Market

Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Savage

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$13,168/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$14,837/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$16,763/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$21,200/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Savage

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Savage. The median salary is $16,763, compared to the national median of $30,349.$11.9K$16.9K$21.9K$26.9K$31.9K$13.2K10th Pctl$14.8K25th Pctl$16.8KMedian$21.2K75th Pctl$26.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Savage, MN typically start between $13,168 and $14,837 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,815 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,76344.77% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$4,200
Avg MN Program Cost
$13,168
Starting Salary
31.90%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 31.90% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($13,168/year) in Savage. 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 Savage

  • 1Research the Savage market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $13,168 to $14,837, 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 Savage, 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 Savage for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Savage'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 Savage is $12,815 ( 97.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $13,168, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,983.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$10,236

2025 BLS Actual

$12,869

2026 Current Est.

$13,168

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Savage (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 Savage. Baseline $10,236 in 2025, projected to $13,473 by 2027.$4.3K$14.7K$25.0K$35.4K$45.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$10.2K$11.0K$12.2K$39.8K$12.9K$13.2K$13.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$10,236Actual
2022$11,029Actual
2023$12,201Actual
2024$39,790Actual
2025$12,869Actual
2026(current)$13,168Estimated
2027$13,473Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Savage, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,236 in 2021 to $12,869 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,473. New graduates entering the Savage job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

In Savage, hiring opportunities for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists often come from various employers, including physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers. These facilities frequently look for coders with the AAPC CPC (outpatient) or CPC-A (apprentice) credentials, as well as those equipped with skills in ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates. Certification from AHIMA, such as the CCS or CCS-P, can greatly enhance opportunities and starting salaries in Minnesota. The increasing trend toward remote work has allowed many employers to embrace a flexible hiring model, underscoring the importance of continuous learning to keep up with evolving coding standards. Realistically, new specialists might see their salaries rise within the first few years, particularly if they specialize in lucrative fields such as risk adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding, which are currently in high demand due to growth in Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplace plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Savage start at approximately $13,168/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 $6.33/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 Savage?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Savage progress from the entry-level salary of $13,168 to the area median of $16,763 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $25,983 (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 Savage?

With a starting salary of $13,168/year in Savage 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 Savage?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Savage typically start near the 10th percentile at $13,168/year, or approximately $6.33/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 Minnesota?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Minnesota, 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota

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 Savage. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Savage is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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