Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Jackson, MS: $18,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Jackson, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $18,688 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 89.0 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $20,986 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($24,379) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the medical billing and coding field in Jackson, Mississippi, new graduates should approach the salary expectations with an understanding of regional norms. For 2026, the entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Jackson is projected to be around $24,379, but starting positions may offer compensation as low as $18,688. This creates a noticeable gap, highlighting the importance of education and experience for jumping from the lower percentiles of pay toward the median over a few years. Early career professionals can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain more experience, with the potential to reach salaries exceeding $30,000 within three to five years. Jackson's market shows promise, especially with growing demand for skilled coders, making it an attractive location for new graduates to start their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Jackson, MS typically start between $18,688 and $20,830 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,857 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $24,379 — 19.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Mississippi of $2,200 represents just 11.77% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($18,688/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $18,688 to $20,830, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $17,857 ( 95.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $18,688, experienced hygienists can earn up to $36,545.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$23,240
2025 BLS Actual
$18,264
2026 Current Est.
$18,688
2021–2027 Growth
+-17.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Jackson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,360 | Actual |
| 2025 | $18,264 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19,121 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, MS grew -21.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,240 in 2021 to $18,264 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $19,121. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
In the Jackson area, various employers actively recruit newly certified professionals, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that value credentials like AAPC's CPC-A. Similarly, outpatient specialty clinics and physician group practices offer entry-level CPC roles, while those seeking inpatient coding positions must focus on obtaining their CCS certification. Enhancing one's qualifications with continued education in areas such as ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates is vital for boosting starting pay in Mississippi, where a proactive approach to learning can lead to roles in high-growth subspecialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding. As remote work becomes a norm, especially since 2020, individuals should leverage this by seeking remote positions early in their careers. New coders could expect pay raises, with strategic skill development acting as a catalyst for those starting in this robust field.
More salary data for Jackson, MS:
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 Jackson. 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