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 90.7 — 9% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Lorain
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 $28,650 — 5.6% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,379 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,332 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,335 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19,784 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,243 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain 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 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.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Lorain?
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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 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).
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