Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Dover, NH: $14,348 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Dover, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $14,348 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dover's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,372 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($18,263) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated medical billing and coding specialists in Dover, NH can expect to see a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of around $14,348. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level roles and underscores that expectations should be carefully managed. With the median annual salary in Dover sitting at $18,263, new professionals are at a significant gap of approximately $3,915 from this average. However, there is potential for growth in the first few years, as salaries can increase to around $16,168 at the 25th percentile and can reach the median within three to five years, making Dover a relatively favorable job market for those just starting in their careers.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dover
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 Dover
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Dover, NH typically start between $14,348 and $16,168 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,954 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $18,263 — 39.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 38.33% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($14,348/year) in Dover. 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 Dover
- 1Research the Dover market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $14,348 to $16,168, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dover, 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 Dover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dover'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 Dover is $12,954 ( 90.28%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $14,348, experienced hygienists can earn up to $27,302.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,530
2025 BLS Actual
$14,023
2026 Current Est.
$14,348
2021–2027 Growth
+-50.3%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Dover (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,530 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $14,023 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14,348 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,681 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Dover, NH grew -52.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,530 in 2021 to $14,023 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $14,681. New graduates entering the Dover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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 Dover
Employers in Dover looking to hire new graduates often include third-party coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and local physician group practices. Many of these employers provide structured mentorship for entry-level candidates, particularly those holding AHIMA or AAPC certifications. While pursuing credentials such as the CPC-A (apprentice coder) can enhance starting pay, it's essential for new coders to stay updated through continuing education. With the industry's shift to approximately 80% remote positions post-2020, adaptability and ongoing learning are critical. Those focusing on emerging fields like risk adjustment and HCC coding will find more opportunities, as these areas continue to expand. Realistically, salaries for entry-level positions can grow significantly in the first three years for those continually enhancing their skills and certifications in Dover, NH.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
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 Dover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dover 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