Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Madison, MS: $10,506 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Madison, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $10,506 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Madison's local price level (BEA RPP 85.714% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,259 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($14,879) within a few years of clinical practice.

$10,506
Starting Salary
$5.05/hr
Starting Hourly
$10,506
Entry Level
$14,879
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

For those entering the medical billing and coding field in Madison, Mississippi, starting salaries tend to offer a more modest outlook compared to the overall local median of $14,879. New graduates can reasonably expect entry-level positions to start around $10,506, reflecting the beginning status of many professionals in this sector. While it may take time to reach the local median, there is potential for advancement over the first 3 to 5 years as new specialists gain experience and skills. As entry-level pay hovers near the lower end of the spectrum, the job market in Madison currently presents a cautious but accessible opportunity for recent graduates, especially for those willing to invest in their education and certifications.

About the Madison Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Madison

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$10,506/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$13,203/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$14,879/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$18,292/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Madison

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Madison. The median salary is $14,879, compared to the national median of $30,349.$9.5K$15.1K$20.7K$26.3K$31.9K$10.5K10th Pctl$13.2K25th Pctl$14.9KMedian$18.3K75th Pctl$22.3K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Madison, MS typically start between $10,506 and $13,203 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,825 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $14,87950.97% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$2,200
Avg MS Program Cost
$10,506
Starting Salary
20.94%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Mississippi of $2,200 represents just 20.94% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($10,506/year) in Madison. 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 Madison

  • 1Research the Madison market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $10,506 to $13,203, 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 Madison, 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 Madison for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Madison'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 Madison is $11,825 ( 112.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $10,506, experienced hygienists can earn up to $22,331.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$8,167

2025 BLS Actual

$10,268

2026 Current Est.

$10,506

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Madison (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 Madison. Baseline $8,167 in 2025, projected to $10,750 by 2027.$5.3K$10.3K$15.2K$20.2K$25.1K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$8.2K$8.8K$9.7K$22.3K$10.3K$10.5K$10.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$8,167Actual
2022$8,800Actual
2023$9,735Actual
2024$22,301Actual
2025$10,268Actual
2026(current)$10,506Estimated
2027$10,750Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Madison, MS grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $8,167 in 2021 to $10,268 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $10,750. New graduates entering the Madison job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

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

A variety of employers in Madison are positioned to hire new medical billing and coding graduates. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams seek out certified coder apprentices, often providing structured mentorship that can enhance early career development. Additionally, outpatient surgery centers and physician group practices offer entry-level roles as outpatient-certified coders. For those considering inpatient coding, earning specialized credentials, such as the AHIMA CCS, can be beneficial. New coders can increase their employability by pursuing certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC and AHIMA, focusing on areas such as ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment. Realistic salary growth expectations over the first few years often align with the industry trend toward remote work and continuous education, particularly in high-demand specialties like risk adjustment coding. Engaging in ongoing training and staying current with code updates will be critical in navigating the evolving marketplace and maximizing potential earnings in this profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Madison start at approximately $10,506/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 $5.05/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 Madison?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Madison progress from the entry-level salary of $10,506 to the area median of $14,879 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $22,331 (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 Madison?

With a starting salary of $10,506/year in Madison 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 Madison?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Madison typically start near the 10th percentile at $10,506/year, or approximately $5.05/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 Mississippi?

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

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

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Madison 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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