Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Mansfield, OH: $21,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Mansfield, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,044 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Mansfield's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,679 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($25,809) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Mansfield, Ohio, the expected starting salary is projected to be approximately $21,044 in 2026. This figure falls below the city's median annual salary of $25,809, highlighting a gap that entry-level professionals will need to navigate during their initial career phase. However, as entry-level specialists gain experience, they can expect to see a gradual growth trajectory. The salary range for early-career coders can span from $21,068 at the 25th percentile up to the median, which suggests a realistic opportunity for new grads to enhance their earnings within their first three to five years. With the projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, Mansfield remains a viable market for those starting their careers in this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Mansfield
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 Mansfield
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Mansfield, OH typically start between $21,044 and $21,068 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,561 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $25,809 — 14.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 18.06% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,044/year) in Mansfield. 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 Mansfield
- 1Research the Mansfield market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,044 to $21,068, 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 Mansfield, 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 Mansfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Mansfield'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 Mansfield is $13,561 ( 64.44%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,044, experienced hygienists can earn up to $34,605.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$27,620
2025 BLS Actual
$20,567
2026 Current Est.
$21,044
2021–2027 Growth
+-22.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Mansfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $27,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $34,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,440 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21,532 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Mansfield, OH grew -25.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,620 in 2021 to $20,567 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,532. New graduates entering the Mansfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mansfield 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 Mansfield
In Mansfield, various employers are on the lookout for new entrants in the medical billing and coding field. Organizations such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently hire Certified Professional Coder-Apprentices (CPC-As), offering structured mentorship to ease graduates into their roles. Physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) also frequently offer entry-level positions as CPC coders, while hospital coding roles typically require a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. To boost entry-level pay in Ohio, pursuing additional certifications like AAPC’s CPC or AHIMA’s CCS could be beneficial. Given that medical coding has transitioned to about 80% remote work since 2020, new coders must remain adept in ongoing industry changes, particularly with ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates. Career strategies for these first few years should focus on gaining experience in risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are among the fastest-growing specialty areas. With dedication, realistic salary expectations for the first three years indicate the potential for increased pay as coders become more proficient and credentialed.
More salary data for Mansfield, 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 Mansfield. 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