Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $23,293 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Grand Forks, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,293 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Grand Forks's local price level (BEA RPP 86.7 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,878 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,216) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Grand Forks can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary that typically begins around $23,293. This figure represents the 10th percentile of earnings for entry-level positions in the area and highlights the initial earning potential available to those just completing their training. The projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Forks stands at $27,216, which means that entry-level professionals will likely find themselves in close proximity to the city’s median as they gain experience, with potential to rise through the ranks. Given the healthy job growth rate of 2.32% projected annually over the next five years, Grand Forks appears to be a favorable market for new graduates looking to establish themselves in this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Grand Forks
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 Grand Forks
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Grand Forks, ND typically start between $23,293 and $23,293 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,667 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,216 — 10.32% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in North Dakota of $3,000 represents just 12.88% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,293/year) in Grand Forks. 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 Grand Forks
- 1Research the Grand Forks market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,293 to $23,293, 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 Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Grand Forks'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 Grand Forks is $25,667 ( 110.19%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,293, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,960.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,130
2025 BLS Actual
$22,765
2026 Current Est.
$23,293
2021–2027 Growth
+-34.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Grand Forks (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,130 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,293 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,834 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Grand Forks, ND grew -37.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,130 in 2021 to $22,765 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,834. New graduates entering the Grand Forks job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks
A range of employers in Grand Forks actively recruit newly credentialed medical billing and coding specialists. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently hire individuals with the Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) designation, offering structured mentorship to ease the transition into the workforce. Additionally, local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers provide entry-level opportunities for certified coders. To enhance starting pay in North Dakota, pursuing credentials such as AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS is advisable. The ongoing shift to remote work in the coding industry means that continuous education in coding standards—particularly around ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment—will be key during the critical first few years of a coder’s career. Those entering the profession can realistically anticipate their salaries to rise as they gain experience, with growth trajectories varying significantly based on specializations such as outpatient coding or risk-adjusted HCC coding, particularly in light of the expanding healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Grand Forks, 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 Grand Forks. 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