Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Akron, OH: $22,700 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Akron, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,700 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Akron's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,312 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,364) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those embarking on a career in medical billing and coding, the starting salaries in Akron, Ohio, paint a realistic picture. In 2026, new graduates can expect to earn around $22,700 as they begin their journey in this field. This figure stands below the city’s median annual salary of $29,364, suggesting a significant gap that new coders will need to bridge as they gain experience. Progression is typically seen as employers recognize skills and commitment; average salaries can increase to around $26,148 after gaining some entry-level experience. Given the local job market and a projected growth rate of 2.32% in this profession, Akron appears to provide a solid foundation for those looking to start their careers as medical billing and coding specialists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Akron
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 Akron
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Akron, OH typically start between $22,700 and $26,148 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,127 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,364 — 3.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 16.74% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,700/year) in Akron. 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 Akron
- 1Research the Akron market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,700 to $26,148, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Akron, 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 Akron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Akron'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 Akron is $21,127 ( 93.07%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,700, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,827.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,030
2025 BLS Actual
$22,185
2026 Current Est.
$22,700
2021–2027 Growth
+-20.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Akron (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,470 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,185 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22,700 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,226 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Akron, OH grew -23.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,030 in 2021 to $22,185 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,226. New graduates entering the Akron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Akron 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 Akron
Employers in Akron who hire new grads include third-party coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and various medical practices. These entities frequently seek Certified Professional Coders (CPC-A) or entry-level Certified Coding Specialists (CCS) with structured mentorship to guide them as they navigate their roles. Obtaining credentials like the AAPC CPC or the AHIMA CCS can help boost starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in OH, leading to opportunities in risk adjustment coding, which has seen exponential growth. As a new grad, it's essential to adopt a proactive learning strategy, especially given the transition to remote work that has characterized this field since 2020. The complexity of ICD-10-CM and regular updates to CPT codes mean continuous education is vital. Realistically, as you progress through your first three years, salary advancements can align with increasing experience and certification, positioning you well for higher earnings.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 Akron. 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