Medical Billing Salary

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 88.911% 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.

$21,044
Starting Salary
$10.12/hr
Starting Hourly
$21,044
Entry Level
$25,809
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Mansfield, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Mansfield, 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 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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$21,044/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$21,068/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$25,809/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$27,299/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mansfield

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Mansfield. The median salary is $25,809, compared to the national median of $30,349.$18.9K$23.3K$27.6K$32.0K$36.3K$21.0K10th Pctl$21.1K25th Pctl$25.8KMedian$27.3K75th Pctl$34.6K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

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 $25,80914.96% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,800
Avg OH Program Cost
$21,044
Starting Salary
18.06%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (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 Mansfield. Baseline $27,620 in 2025, projected to $21,532 by 2027.$17.8K$22.6K$27.4K$32.2K$36.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.6K$29.6K$34.2K$31.4K$20.6K$21.0K$21.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$27,620Actual
2022$29,640Actual
2023$34,200Actual
2024$31,440Actual
2025$20,567Actual
2026(current)$21,044Estimated
2027$21,532Projected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mansfield 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Mansfield start at approximately $21,044/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 $10.12/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 Mansfield?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Mansfield progress from the entry-level salary of $21,044 to the area median of $25,809 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $34,605 (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 Mansfield?

With a starting salary of $21,044/year in Mansfield 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 Mansfield?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Mansfield typically start near the 10th percentile at $21,044/year, or approximately $10.12/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 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

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