Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Rome, NY: $21,879 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Rome, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,879 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rome's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $18,877 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,266) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Rome, NY, the entry-level salary presents both opportunities and challenges. In 2026, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Rome is projected to begin around $21,879, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $28,266. This gap highlights the typical progression young professionals can expect as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years in the industry, many individuals are likely to advance through the pay scales, moving from the 10th percentile up to around $24,780 as they build their skills and confidence in the role. Given the area’s projected growth rate of 2.32%, Rome currently aligns well with recent trends in remote work flexibility, which many entry-level coders might find appealing as they establish their careers.
About the Rome Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rome
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 Rome
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Rome, NY typically start between $21,879 and $24,780 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,801 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,266 — 6.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in New York of $7,000 represents just 31.99% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,879/year) in Rome. 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 Rome
- 1Research the Rome market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,879 to $24,780, 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 Rome, 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 Rome for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Rome'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 Rome is $21,801 ( 99.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,879, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,680.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$17,008
2025 BLS Actual
$21,383
2026 Current Est.
$21,879
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Rome (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $18,326 | Actual |
| 2023 | $20,273 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,195 | Actual |
| 2025 | $21,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,879 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22,387 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Rome, NY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,008 in 2021 to $21,383 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $22,387. New graduates entering the Rome job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rome 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 Rome
Employers in Rome, such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, actively seek new graduates ready for mentorship roles. Positions for apprentice coders with the AAPC CPC-A credential are becoming more common in these settings, while local physician group practices and outpatient ASCs often hire entry-level coders. For those aiming for inpatient coding, obtaining a CCS credential from AHIMA can open doors to hospital opportunities. To boost entry-level pay in New York, additional certifications such as the optional CRC or CPMA can be beneficial. As the medical coding field shifts toward remote standards—about 80% since 2020—continuous learning has become crucial to keep up with quarterly ICD-10-CM and CPT updates. Emerging markets like risk adjustment coding present the highest growth for coders in recent years, making strategic professional development essential for newly minted specialists. Realistic salary growth expectations suggest that within the first few years, motivated individuals can transition from entry-level roles into more advanced positions, thereby enhancing their overall earning potential.
More salary data for Rome, NY:
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 Rome. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Rome 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