Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Billings, MT: $24,071 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,071 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,737 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,785) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Billings, MT, starts at a projected $24,071, which sets a realistic expectation for new graduates entering this field. This figure is notably below the city median of $29,785, reflecting the common gap between starting salaries and established pay rates in the profession. However, with experience, early-career coders can anticipate gradual growth; the next milestone is seen at $26,095, and those who remain in the sector over the first few years can expect to reach or exceed the local median salary. Billings is currently a favorable market for new grads, particularly given the diverse job opportunities and the increasing demand for medical billing and coding professionals.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
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 Billings
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Billings, MT typically start between $24,071 and $26,095 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,210 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,785 — 1.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Montana of $3,000 represents just 12.46% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,071/year) in Billings. 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 Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,071 to $26,095, 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 MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, 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 Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings'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 Billings is $13,210 ( 54.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,071, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,281.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,850
2025 BLS Actual
$23,525
2026 Current Est.
$24,071
2021–2027 Growth
+-17.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,162 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,525 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,071 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,629 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew -21.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,850 in 2021 to $23,525 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,629. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
While pursuing a career in medical coding, new graduates in Billings should target employers that actively hire entry-level candidates. Local physician groups, outpatient surgery centers, and hospital inpatient coding departments are some of the providers looking for fresh talent, especially those with certifications like AAPC's CPC-A or AHIMA's CCS. Continuing education and gaining proficiency in the latest coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT will also enhance starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in MT. Furthermore, with the shift to remote work opportunities following 2020, coders can expect flexibility while staying updated on quarterly coding changes. Within the first few years, realistic salary growth expectations will vary, but consistent skill development and credentialing can lead to better financial outcomes, especially for those focusing on high-growth areas like risk adjustment coding.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
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 Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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