Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Medina, OH: $21,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $21,303 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,487 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,312) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Medina is projected to be around $21,303, which sets a realistic expectation for new graduates entering this field. While this entry-level pay may seem low compared to the median annual salary of $27,312 in the area, it marks a pathway for growth. Within the first few years, newcomers can anticipate a trajectory that moves them from the lower deciles to more competitive pay ranges, with the 25th percentile at $23,457 and the median offering a significant jump as experience accrues. Considering Medina’s favorable employment landscape, with a growth rate of 2.32%, new medical billing and coding professionals can find ample opportunities to establish themselves as they begin their careers.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Medina, OH typically start between $21,303 and $23,457 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,031 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,312 — 10.01% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Ohio of $3,800 represents just 17.84% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($21,303/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $21,303 to $23,457, 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 Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $21,031 ( 98.72%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $21,303, experienced hygienists can earn up to $42,334.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$16,560
2025 BLS Actual
$20,820
2026 Current Est.
$21,303
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Medina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $16,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $19,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,226 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,820 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $21,797 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,560 in 2021 to $20,820 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $21,797. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
Employers in Medina hiring new grads typically include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that are open to hiring individuals with CPC-A certifications or those seeking structured mentorship. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers often seek entry-level coding professionals. To enhance earning potential, aspiring medical coders should focus on obtaining relevant credentials such as the AAPC's CPC or CPC-A, and considering the CCS or CCS-P designations for inpatient coding. Given the shift toward remote work in the industry, continuous education is vital, especially with the common updates in ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. New coders can expect their salaries to increase as they gain experience, with jumps in pay likely in the first few years as they develop expertise in the evolving landscape of risk adjustment and HCC coding, which has emerged as a highly sought-after specialty in the current job market.
More salary data for Medina, 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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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