Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in The Dalles, OR: $24,807 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the The Dalles, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,807 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out The Dalles's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,178 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($31,357) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in The Dalles, Oregon, can anticipate starting salaries around $24,807. This entry-level figure is a starting point that aligns closely with the lower end of the salary range for this profession, which reaches a median of $31,357 in the city. For those just stepping into their careers, the pathway to growth looks promising—early-career specialists can expect to see their salaries advance gradually. Within three to five years, it’s realistic for new coders to move toward the first quartile salary of $27,776 and eventually approach the city’s median. Given the current job market in The Dalles, there are opportunities for fresh graduates, especially as medical billing continues to adapt to evolving healthcare needs and the remote work environment.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in The Dalles
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 The Dalles
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in The Dalles, OR typically start between $24,807 and $27,776 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,925 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $31,357 — 3.32% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Oregon of $4,500 represents just 18.14% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,807/year) in The Dalles. 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 The Dalles
- 1Research the The Dalles market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,807 to $27,776, 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 The Dalles, 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 The Dalles for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5The Dalles'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 The Dalles is $22,925 ( 92.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,807, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,732.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,285
2025 BLS Actual
$24,245
2026 Current Est.
$24,807
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in The Dalles (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,285 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,245 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,807 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,383 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in The Dalles, OR grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,285 in 2021 to $24,245 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,383. New graduates entering the The Dalles job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
In The Dalles, employers such as outpatient centers and physician group practices are particularly receptive to hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists. These organizations often seek coders with AAPC CPC or CPC-A credentials and are willing to provide structured mentorship to facilitate skill development. To enhance earning potential in Oregon, pursuing additional certifications such as AHIMA's CCS or a focus on HCC coding can provide a competitive edge. It’s essential for new graduates to engage in ongoing education, especially with the industry's shift towards remote work designed to accommodate the demands of medical coding. Realistically, within the first few years, entry-level wages could see a boost as specialists enhance their competencies and adapt to changes, with strong growth projected in areas like risk adjustment coding due to its increasing prominence in healthcare.
More salary data for The Dalles, 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 The Dalles. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for The Dalles 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