Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Williston, ND: $11,806 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $11,806 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,833 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($15,452) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those entering the field, the entry level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Williston, ND is projected to start at around $11,806 in 2026. This figure serves as a baseline for new graduates who can expect a gap of approximately $3,646 when compared to the city’s median salary of $15,452. The starting pay opens avenues for growth in the initial years, with a trajectory that can lead to an increase towards the 25th percentile salary of $13,433 as individuals accrue experience and skills. Given the projected 2.32% annual growth rate, Williston may present a promising market for recent graduates eager to establish their careers in medical billing and coding.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Williston, ND typically start between $11,806 and $13,433 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,852 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $15,452 — 49.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in North Dakota of $3,000 represents just 25.41% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($11,806/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $11,806 to $13,433, 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 Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $11,852 ( 100.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $11,806, experienced hygienists can earn up to $23,658.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,177
2025 BLS Actual
$11,538
2026 Current Est.
$11,806
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,177 | Actual |
| 2022 | $9,888 | Actual |
| 2023 | $10,939 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,538 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $11,806 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,080 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,177 in 2021 to $11,538 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,080. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
In Williston, various employers actively seek new graduates, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that typically welcome CPC-A (apprentice) coders, providing structured mentorship programs that ease the transition into professional roles. Physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers are also ideal for entry-Level positions, while opportunities in hospital inpatient coding that require CCS certification are available for those wishing to specialize further. To enhance earning potential in North Dakota, newcomers can consider pursuing additional certifications through AAPC or AHIMA, such as CPC or CCS-P, which complement their foundational skills. With the industry shifting dramatically towards remote work—approximately 80% post-2020—prospects look bright for those engaging in continuous learning, especially in subspecialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding. Realistic salary growth expectations for the first three years can lead to increases within the range of $13,000 to $19,000, driven by ongoing professional development and credentialing.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Williston in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Williston?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Williston?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Williston?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in North Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Dakota
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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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