Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Eugene, OR: $25,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Eugene, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,091 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Eugene's local price level (BEA RPP 101.6 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,704 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,898) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the medical billing and coding field in Eugene, Oregon can expect to start their careers with an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary that hovers around $25,091. This initial pay is noticeably lower than the city median of $31,898, highlighting the starting gap that many fresh graduates may encounter. However, the trajectory for salary growth during the first few years is promising, moving from the lower percentile of $25,091 to $27,447 within a few years, eventually aiming for the median as they gain experience and skills. Given the current job market conditions in Eugene, characterized by a steady demand for medical coders, this region remains an attractive option for new graduates eager to begin their professional journey in healthcare.
Career Earnings Timeline in Eugene
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 Eugene
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Eugene, OR typically start between $25,091 and $27,447 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,700 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,898 — 5.1% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Oregon of $4,500 represents just 17.93% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,091/year) in Eugene. 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 Eugene
- 1Research the Eugene market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,091 to $27,447, 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 Eugene, 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 Eugene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Eugene'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 Eugene is $22,700 ( 90.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,091, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,791.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,550
2025 BLS Actual
$24,522
2026 Current Est.
$25,091
2021–2027 Growth
+-13.1%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Eugene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,080 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,522 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,673 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Eugene, OR grew -17.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,550 in 2021 to $24,522 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,673. New graduates entering the Eugene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eugene 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 Eugene
Employers in Eugene actively recruit new coders from various sectors, often hiring entry-level positions in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Coding roles that require structured mentorship, such as those found in third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, are increasingly common for CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Additionally, gaining credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can substantially increase starting pay, reflecting an employer preference for certified applicants. For aspiring medical billers and coders, continuing education tailored to evolving coding standards, particularly in risk adjustment and HCC coding, will be essential. The shift towards remote work in this industry amplifies the importance of staying updated with coding changes. With a focus on professional development and certification, new graduates can anticipate advancements in their salaries over the first several years, further enhancing their career prospects in this growing market.
More salary data for Eugene, 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 Eugene. 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