Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Woonsocket, RI: $13,425 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Woonsocket, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $13,425 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woonsocket's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,358 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($17,100) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in 2026, realistic salary expectations in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, reveal a nuanced scenario. The entry-level range starts at around $13,425 annually, with the median for those in their first jobs landing at $17,100. This indicates a notable gap between the entry-level salary and the city median, suggesting that new coders should anticipate a gradual climb as they gain experience. Within the first three to five years, one could progress through early pay brackets such as $15,131, moving toward the median figure as skill levels and responsibilities increase. Currently, Woonsocket presents a moderately favorable market for new medical billing and coding specialists, albeit with salaries that are substantially below the national average of $30,349, approximately 43.66% less than the national median.
About the Woonsocket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woonsocket
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 Woonsocket
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Woonsocket, RI typically start between $13,425 and $15,131 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,080 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $17,100 — 43.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Rhode Island of $5,500 represents just 40.97% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($13,425/year) in Woonsocket. 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 Woonsocket
- 1Research the Woonsocket market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $13,425 to $15,131, 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 Woonsocket, 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 Woonsocket for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woonsocket'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 Woonsocket is $13,080 ( 97.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $13,425, experienced hygienists can earn up to $26,505.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$10,437
2025 BLS Actual
$13,121
2026 Current Est.
$13,425
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Woonsocket (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $10,437 | Actual |
| 2022 | $11,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $12,440 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $13,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $13,425 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13,737 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Woonsocket, RI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $10,437 in 2021 to $13,121 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,737. New graduates entering the Woonsocket job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket
Employers in Woonsocket that actively seek fresh talent include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often bring in apprentice coders with structured mentorship. Physician group practices and outpatient surgery centers tend to offer entry-level coding positions as well. However, more stringent roles such as inpatient coding usually require additional credentials like the CCS certification. To enhance their starting pay in Rhode Island, fresh graduates may wish to pursue certifications such as AAPC's CPC or CPC-A for outpatient coding, or AHIMA's CCS for inpatient roles. Considering the shift toward about 80% remote work in medical coding post-2020, it becomes crucial for new coders to stay abreast of ICD-10-CM updates and continually refine their skills. Within the first few years, realistic salary growth should be expected, aligning with the industry trend in risk adjustment and HCC coding, which promises significant opportunities for advancement in this evolving profession in RI.
More salary data for Woonsocket, RI:
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 Woonsocket. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woonsocket 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