Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bend, OR: $26,545 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Bend, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,545 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bend's local price level (BEA RPP 103.6 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,621 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,375) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the field, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Bend, OR, aligns at approximately $26,545 in 2026. While this figure constitutes an entry point, it’s essential to recognize that the median annual salary in the region stands at $37,375. This indicates a potential upward trajectory as new graduates gain experience and skills, progressing towards the P25 benchmark of $30,165 in the first few years. The market in Bend appears favorable for entry-level professionals, particularly with the expected growth rate of 2.32% over the next five years, creating opportunities for newly minted coders eager to establish their careers in this expanding industry.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bend
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 Bend
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Bend, OR typically start between $26,545 and $30,165 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,032 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,375 — 23.15% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Oregon of $4,500 represents just 16.95% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($26,545/year) in Bend. 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 Bend
- 1Research the Bend market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $26,545 to $30,165, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bend, 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 Bend for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bend's moderate 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 Bend is $19,032 ( 71.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,545, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,577.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$36,800
2025 BLS Actual
$25,943
2026 Current Est.
$26,545
2021–2027 Growth
+-26.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bend (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $36,800 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,545 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,161 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Bend, OR grew -29.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,800 in 2021 to $25,943 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,161. New graduates entering the Bend job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bend 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 Bend
Looking to capitalize on opportunities, employers throughout Bend hire new graduates, making it wise for fresh entrants to target a mix of third-party coding companies and physician practices, which often provide structured mentorship. For those seeking to boost their starting pay, obtaining certifications such as the AAPC CPC-A or AHIMA CCS can be beneficial. Additionally, the rise of remote work post-2020 necessitates that coders remain versatile, continually updating their knowledge on coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT. In the first few years, ambitious coders can expect interim salary growth reflective of their expanding skill set and credentials, with areas like risk adjustment coding seeing the highest demand. Focused strategies, including networking with local coding professionals and participating in continuing education provided by AAPC and AHIMA, can significantly enhance prospects for rising in the ranks within Bend's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Bend, OR:
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 Bend. 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