Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Lorain, OH: $19,784 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Lorain, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $19,784 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lorain's local price level (BEA RPP 90.79% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $21,813 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($28,650) within a few years of clinical practice.

$19,784
Starting Salary
$9.52/hr
Starting Hourly
$19,784
Entry Level
$28,650
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Lorain, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lorain, OH medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Lorain, Ohio, the expected starting salary is around $19,784 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $28,650, creating an initial gap that entry-level specialists should be prepared to navigate. However, aspiring coders have an opportunity to grow quickly; many can expect to reach the 25th percentile pay of $25,182 within the first few years of their careers. Lorain's current job market is favorable, with a growth rate projected at 2.32% annually, suggesting that prospects for new graduates are improving. Even though the entry-level compensation may not match the national median of $30,349, the potential for upward mobility and the demand for medical coding professionals indicate that starting in Lorain may still be a wise choice for newcomers to the field.

About the Lorain Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Lorain

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$19,784/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$25,182/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$28,650/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$35,925/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lorain

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain. The median salary is $28,650, compared to the national median of $30,349.$17.8K$25.0K$32.2K$39.4K$46.6K$19.8K10th Pctl$25.2K25th Pctl$28.6KMedian$35.9K75th Pctl$44.4K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain, OH typically start between $19,784 and $25,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,623 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $28,6505.6% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Lorain metro area.

Return on Investment

$3,800
Avg OH Program Cost
$19,784
Starting Salary
19.21%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 19.21% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($19,784/year) in Lorain. 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 Lorain

  • 1Research the Lorain market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $19,784 to $25,182, 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 Lorain, 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 Lorain for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Lorain'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 Lorain is $24,623 ( 124.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $19,784, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,407.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$15,379

2025 BLS Actual

$19,335

2026 Current Est.

$19,784

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Lorain (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain. Baseline $15,379 in 2025, projected to $20,243 by 2027.$12.5K$17.6K$22.6K$27.7K$32.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$15.4K$16.6K$18.3K$29.9K$19.3K$19.8K$20.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$15,379Actual
2022$16,571Actual
2023$18,332Actual
2024$29,884Actual
2025$19,335Actual
2026(current)$19,784Estimated
2027$20,243Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Lorain, OH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,379 in 2021 to $19,335 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,243. New graduates entering the Lorain job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Lorain

Career growth for entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain significantly hinges on both the type of employer and the credentials held. Many local positions are offered by outpatient centers, physician group practices, and specialized third-party coding companies, which frequently seek candidates with AAPC's CPC-A certification or similar credentials. Upgrading skills through continued education can be beneficial; specialists aiming for higher roles should consider obtaining further certifications, such as CCS or CRC, for inpatient or risk adjustment coding, respectively. Those looking to thrive in the first three years should prioritize mastering coding guidelines and engaging with the remote work opportunities that dominate the industry today, especially with approximately 80% of coding roles shifting to work-from-home arrangements post-2020. As such, the realistic salary trajectory for new coders could result in lucrative positions as they move from entry-level into more advanced roles, driven by continuous learning and adapting to a fast-evolving field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain start at approximately $19,784/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $9.51/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Lorain?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Lorain progress from the entry-level salary of $19,784 to the area median of $28,650 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $44,407 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Lorain?

With a starting salary of $19,784/year in Lorain and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Lorain?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Lorain typically start near the 10th percentile at $19,784/year, or approximately $9.51/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Ohio?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Ohio, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Ohio, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Ohio

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Lorain. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Lorain is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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