Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Winona, MN: $12,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,373 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,561 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,432) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Winona, Minnesota can expect to see starting salaries that begin at around $12,373 annually. This initial compensation highlights a significant gap from the city's median annual salary of $16,432. As professionals gain experience over the next few years, they may gradually progress toward the 25th percentile salary of $14,149, and eventually reach the median figure. For entry-level candidates, Winona presents a reasonable market, with a modest growth trajectory that suggests opportunities for advancement in this sector within the local healthcare landscape.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Winona, MN typically start between $12,373 and $14,149 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,611 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,432 — 45.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 33.94% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,373/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,373 to $14,149, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $12,611 ( 101.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,373, experienced hygienists can earn up to $24,984.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,618
2025 BLS Actual
$12,092
2026 Current Est.
$12,373
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Winona (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,465 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,358 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,660 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,618 in 2021 to $12,092 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,660. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Employers in the Winona area that typically hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists include physician group practices, outpatient surgical centers, and third-party coding companies. Many organizations emphasize the importance of credentials for new hires, making certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC and AHIMA beneficial. Holding certifications such as CPC-A or CCS can enhance the earning potential right from the start. In the first one to three years, individuals should focus on continuous learning, especially with the increasing shift towards remote work and the need to keep pace with code updates. With specializations like risk adjustment coding seeing substantial growth, new graduates can position themselves for better salary increases over time as they gain proficiency in systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT, paving the way for a more lucrative career in medical billing and coding in MN.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Winona in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Winona?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Winona?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Winona?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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