Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Spearfish, SD: $11,498 (2026)

In Spearfish, several employers are actively seeking recent graduates to fill roles in medical billing and coding, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which offer opportunities for CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Local physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers also welcome entry-level CPC roles. For those interested in hospital inpatient coding, acquiring credentials such as the CCS can be advantageous. Graduates who pursue certifications from AAPC or AHIMA—including CPC, CPC-A, or optional credentials like CRC and CPMA—are likely to see higher starting pay and increased job competitiveness within South Dakota. The shift toward remote work in this field means continuous education in coding updates, crucial for adapting to the evolving landscape. In the first few years, ambitious coders can realistically aim for salary growth by staying updated with ICD-10-CM and CPT changes, with a particular emphasis on emerging subspecialties such as risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are rapidly gaining traction in the industry.