Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $23,893 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Bismarck, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,893 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bismarck's local price level (BEA RPP 91.0 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,249 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,727) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
With a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Bismarck projected at $23,893 in 2026, new graduates can expect to earn a salary below the city median of $27,727. This initial pay level suggests that entry-level roles may require patience and resilience as newcomers build their careers. Graduates can anticipate a gradual salary increase as they gain experience, potentially reaching the first quartile salary of $36,616 within a few years. In a climate where job growth in this field is estimated at 2.32% annually, Bismarck can be an appealing market for entry-level candidates seeking to establish their careers in medical billing and coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bismarck
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 Bismarck
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck, ND typically start between $23,893 and $23,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,070 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,727 — 8.64% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in North Dakota of $3,000 represents just 12.56% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,893/year) in Bismarck. 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 Bismarck
- 1Research the Bismarck market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,893 to $23,893, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bismarck, 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 Bismarck for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bismarck's below-average 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 Bismarck is $28,070 ( 117.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,893, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,963.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$30,030
2025 BLS Actual
$23,351
2026 Current Est.
$23,893
2021–2027 Growth
+-18.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bismarck (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,351 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,893 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,447 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Bismarck, ND grew -22.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,030 in 2021 to $23,351 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,447. New graduates entering the Bismarck job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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 Bismarck
Employers in Bismarck frequently seek new medical billing and coding graduates for roles at third-party coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and outpatient facilities. For entry-level positions, credentials such as AAPC's CPC-A or AHIMA's CCS-P are particularly beneficial and can enhance starting pay. As the demand for skilled coders remains high, continuous education in ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates becomes essential, especially with the industry's shift to about 80% remote work opportunities post-2020. Focusing on high-growth areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding can further improve prospects. Within the first few years, newcomers can expect realistic growth in their salaries, particularly as they gain experience and pursue additional certifications recognized by organizations like AAPC and AHIMA.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
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 Bismarck. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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