Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Laconia, NH: $13,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Laconia, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $13,810 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laconia's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,870 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($18,091) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laconia, New Hampshire, those stepping into the role of a medical billing and coding specialist can expect an entry-level salary starting around $13,810 in 2026. This figure sits below the city’s median annual salary of $18,091, highlighting the common pay gap new graduates experience as they begin their careers. While initial compensation may seem modest, it is important to consider the growth trajectory as early-career professionals progress through the pay spectrums of $15,646 at the 25th percentile to $21,938 at the 75th percentile within the first few years of employment. The 2.32% annual growth rate suggests that Laconia can be a viable market for new medical billing and coding professionals, particularly for those who seize opportunities for upward mobility.
About the Laconia Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Laconia
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 Laconia
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Laconia, NH typically start between $13,810 and $15,646 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,575 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $18,091 — 40.39% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 39.83% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($13,810/year) in Laconia. 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 Laconia
- 1Research the Laconia market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $13,810 to $15,646, 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 Laconia, 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 Laconia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Laconia'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 Laconia is $12,575 ( 91.06%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $13,810, experienced hygienists can earn up to $26,385.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$10,736
2025 BLS Actual
$13,497
2026 Current Est.
$13,810
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Laconia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,736 | Actual |
| 2022 | $11,567 | Actual |
| 2023 | $12,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,689 | Actual |
| 2025 | $13,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,131 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Laconia, NH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,736 in 2021 to $13,497 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $14,131. New graduates entering the Laconia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laconia 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 Laconia
As for employment opportunities in Laconia, several local organizations are actively looking for new graduates in this field. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently hire coders at the apprentice level, offering mentorship that is valuable for skill development. Entry-level roles are also available in outpatient ASCs and physician group practices, generally best for those with AAPC's CPC-A credential. To enhance starting pay, continuous education is crucial. Pursuing certifications like the AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS, along with staying current on ICD-10-CM, can lead to improved earning potential. Additionally, the recent shift to remote work has created more openings, particularly in risk adjustment and HCC coding, making this a favorable time for fresh talent to join the field. Realistically, professionals may see their salaries increase significantly within their first three years as they gain experience and credentials, creating a pathway to better compensation in Laconia's medical billing and coding landscape.
More salary data for Laconia, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Laconia?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Laconia?
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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 Laconia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Laconia 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