Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Keene, NH: $13,742 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $13,742 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,807 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($18,095) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Keene can anticipate a starting salary around $13,742 in 2026, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $18,095. This gap indicates that while some entry-level positions are attainable, they may offer lower pay than many might expect. For recent graduates, the pathway to higher earning potential includes gaining experience and skills that elevate their value in the workforce. Over the first few years, it’s realistic for new coders to progress from the initial compensation to $15,654 at the 25th percentile and eventually approach the median as they accumulate experience, network, and possibly seek further credentials. Considering the job growth rate of 2.32% annually, Keene presents a moderately favorable market for new graduates, especially as hospitals and healthcare facilities continue to adapt to remote work structures post-2020.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Keene, NH typically start between $13,742 and $15,654 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,278 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $18,095 — 40.38% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 40.02% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($13,742/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $13,742 to $15,654, 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 Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene'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 Keene is $13,278 ( 96.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $13,742, experienced hygienists can earn up to $27,020.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$10,682
2025 BLS Actual
$13,430
2026 Current Est.
$13,742
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Keene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $11,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $12,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $13,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13,742 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,060 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,682 in 2021 to $13,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $14,060. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
Employers in Keene that regularly hire new medical billing and coding graduates include physician group practices, outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, and coding audit teams, all of which often seek entry-level talent with a CPC-A certification. Newcomers looking to enhance their starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in NH can significantly benefit by pursuing additional credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS-P, which often lead to better job placements and higher wages. Continuous education is essential in this rapidly evolving field, especially given the shift to about 80% remote work. Coders who specialize in risk adjustment and HCC coding for Medicare Advantage or the ACA have found these areas to be the highest growth sectors. Entry-level salaries in Keene are expected to grow steadily from the lower tier, with diligent work and ongoing learning positioning professionals to meet and exceed local industry standards within their first three years.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Keene in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Keene?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Keene?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Keene?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in New Hampshire?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New Hampshire
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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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