Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Rochester, NH: $14,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Rochester, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $14,150 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,187 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($18,180) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field as medical billing and coding specialists in Rochester, NH can expect to start their careers with a salary around $14,150 at the lower end of the scale. The median annual salary for this position is projected to be $18,180, creating a noticeable gap that new graduates can work to bridge over the first few years of employment. As they progress, they may find their earnings gradually increasing to $15,995, with potential growth up to the $22,897 range as they gain experience and additional credentials. Rochester showcases a favorable landscape for emerging professionals, yet aspiring coders should keep in mind that salaries here are significantly lower—approximately 40.10%—than the national average of $30,349, although proactive skill development can enhance their marketability.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Rochester, NH typically start between $14,150 and $15,995 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,029 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $18,180 — 40.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New Hampshire of $5,500 represents just 38.87% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($14,150/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $14,150 to $15,995, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester'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 Rochester is $14,029 ( 99.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $14,150, experienced hygienists can earn up to $28,179.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$11,000
2025 BLS Actual
$13,829
2026 Current Est.
$14,150
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Rochester (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $11,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $11,852 | Actual |
| 2023 | $13,111 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $13,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $14,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $14,478 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, NH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $11,000 in 2021 to $13,829 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $14,478. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Several employers in Rochester provide opportunities for new medical billing and coding specialists, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that typically welcome candidates with AAPC CPC-A certification, fostering structured mentorship for fresh hires. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers usually have entry-level roles available for coders, while hospital inpatient coding positions often require candidates to hold the CCS credential. For new graduates looking to maximize their starting pay and career advancement, continuing education is vital, focusing on credentials like the AAPC's CPC or the AHIMA's CCS-P, as well as proficiency in ICD-10-CM and other coding standards. Employment in this sector has shifted towards remote work, and as medical billing and coding specialists adapt to the industry's evolving requirements—like the growth in risk adjustment or HCC coding—they should anticipate a realistic salary growth path advancing from initial pay into the mid-twenties range within their first three years in this vibrant local market.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rochester 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