Medical Billing Salary

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 115.916% 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.

$22,349
Starting Salary
$10.74/hr
Starting Hourly
$22,349
Entry Level
$29,236
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in North Tonawanda, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
North Tonawanda, NY medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$22,349/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$25,445/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$29,236/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$37,206/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Tonawanda

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda. The median salary is $29,236, compared to the national median of $30,349.$20.1K$27.0K$33.8K$40.7K$47.6K$22.3K10th Pctl$25.4K25th Pctl$29.2KMedian$37.2K75th Pctl$45.3K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

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 $29,2363.67% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the North Tonawanda metro area.

Return on Investment

$7,000
Avg NY Program Cost
$22,349
Starting Salary
31.32%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda. Baseline $17,373 in 2025, projected to $22,867 by 2027.$11.2K$22.0K$32.8K$43.7K$54.5K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.4K$18.7K$20.7K$48.3K$21.8K$22.3K$22.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$17,373Actual
2022$18,719Actual
2023$20,709Actual
2024$48,318Actual
2025$21,842Actual
2026(current)$22,349Estimated
2027$22,867Projected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Tonawanda metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda start at approximately $22,349/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $10.74/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in North Tonawanda?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in North Tonawanda progress from the entry-level salary of $22,349 to the area median of $29,236 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $45,315 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in North Tonawanda?

With a starting salary of $22,349/year in North Tonawanda and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in North Tonawanda?

New medical billing and coding graduates in North Tonawanda typically start near the 10th percentile at $22,349/year, or approximately $10.74/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in New York?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in New York, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including New York, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New York

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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