Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Ithaca, NY: $23,115 (2026)

In Ithaca, several employers actively seek to hire new graduates for medical billing and coding positions. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often bring in apprentices, like those holding a CPC-A certification, and provide them with structured mentorship. Opportunities can also be found at physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs), typically offering positions for certified coder apprentices. To improve starting pay, recent graduates should pursue certifications such as AAPC’s CPC or AHIMA’s CCS, especially the latter for inpatient roles. For those interested in a career in risk adjustment or home health coding, both of which are rapidly growing areas, additional certifications like the CRC can be beneficial. As the industry moves towards a predominantly remote workforce, continuous education—especially in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates—is vital for adapting to this changing environment. Graduates can expect their earnings to increase significantly within the first three years as they gain hands-on experience and advance their qualifications.