Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in North Tonawanda, NY: $22,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the North Tonawanda, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,349 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out North Tonawanda's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,283 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,236) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Entering the workforce as a medical billing and coding specialist in North Tonawanda can yield a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of around $22,349 in 2026, which sets a foundation distinct from the city's median annual salary of $29,236. New graduates can anticipate gradual annual growth, moving from this entry-level position towards the 25th percentile figure of $25,445, and ultimately reaching the median over the first few years of their careers. Given the projected trajectory of salaries in this field and the anticipated annual growth of 2.32%, North Tonawanda appears to be a reasonable market for emerging professionals, especially for those initiating their journey in this essential healthcare role.
About the North Tonawanda Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in North Tonawanda
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 North Tonawanda
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda, NY typically start between $22,349 and $25,445 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,966 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,236 — 3.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New York of $7,000 represents just 31.32% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,349/year) in North Tonawanda. 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 North Tonawanda
- 1Research the North Tonawanda market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,349 to $25,445, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in North Tonawanda, 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 North Tonawanda for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in North Tonawanda's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in North Tonawanda is $22,966 ( 102.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,349, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,315.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,373
2025 BLS Actual
$21,842
2026 Current Est.
$22,349
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in North Tonawanda (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,373 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,719 | Actual |
| 2023 | $20,709 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,318 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,842 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,867 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in North Tonawanda, NY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,373 in 2021 to $21,842 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,867. New graduates entering the North Tonawanda job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Tonawanda 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 North Tonawanda
New graduates seeking entry-level positions in North Tonawanda will find that local employers span a variety of healthcare environments. Companies such as third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams often hire newly credentialed CPC-A coders, offering structured mentorship that can ease the transition into the coding profession. Physician group practices and outpatient surgery centers are also viable options but may require CPC credentials for entry roles. To enhance their new grad medical billing and coding specialist pay in NY, aspiring professionals should pursue certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, as proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and other coding sets is crucial. The shift towards remote work has created opportunities for flexible environments, making coding roles accessible from home. Additionally, areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding are currently in high demand, reflecting a promising niche for those entering the field. Salary growth expectations during the initial years can lead to better-paying positions as one accumulates experience, targets specialty areas, and continues education through the relevant certifications that can significantly boost earning potential.
More salary data for North Tonawanda, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in North Tonawanda?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in North Tonawanda?
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How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in New York?
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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 North Tonawanda. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Tonawanda 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