Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $12,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the South Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,617 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,554 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,792) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Kingstown, Rhode Island, individuals entering the medical billing and coding field can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary significantly lower than the state median of $16,792. New graduates may find themselves earning around $12,617 initially, setting a realistic foundation for their careers. The trajectory for salary growth looks promising in South Kingstown, with opportunities to progress to the 25th percentile earning $14,492 within a few years. This growth potential may incentivize new coders, especially given the projected annual growth rate of 2.32% over the next five years. With the market demanding skilled coders, now is a relatively favorable time for new graduates eager to enter this profession.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Kingstown
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 South Kingstown
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in South Kingstown, RI typically start between $12,617 and $14,492 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,410 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,792 — 44.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Rhode Island of $5,500 represents just 43.59% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,617/year) in South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown
- 1Research the South Kingstown market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,617 to $14,492, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Kingstown, 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 South Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Kingstown'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 South Kingstown is $13,410 ( 106.29%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,617, experienced hygienists can earn up to $26,027.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,808
2025 BLS Actual
$12,331
2026 Current Est.
$12,617
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in South Kingstown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,808 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,568 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,331 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,910 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in South Kingstown, RI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,808 in 2021 to $12,331 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,910. New graduates entering the South Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
Employers in South Kingstown that hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists include both third-party coding companies and physician group practices. These organizations often support recent graduates with mentorship programs, particularly for those holding a Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) credential. Additional certifications—such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) for inpatient coding or risk adjustment certifications—can also improve starting pay. In the early stages of their careers, new coders will need to adapt to a rapidly changing environment where remote work has become standard. Continuous education is pivotal, with the need to stay updated on ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT code changes. Typically, expect salary growth during the first few years to align with enhanced skills and certifications, paving the way for new grad medical billing and coding specialist pay RI to approach the median in the coming years.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is medical billing and coding school worth it in South Kingstown?
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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 South Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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