Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Keller, TX: $19,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Keller, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $19,261 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keller's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $20,064 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($25,434) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those starting their careers in medical billing and coding in Keller, Texas, the projected annual salary in 2026 is $25,434. However, new graduates can anticipate a starting pay that typically falls around $19,261 for entry-level positions. This figure represents a substantial gap compared to the city median, indicating that while initial salaries may be lower, there is potential for salary growth as coders gain experience. With career advancement, salaries can move from the P10 range to the P25, reaching around $21,982, and towards the median within the first few years. For recent graduates entering this field, Keller presents a moderately favorable market, given that demand for skilled professionals evolves alongside improvements in medical billing practices.
About the Keller Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keller
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 Keller
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Keller, TX typically start between $19,261 and $21,982 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,542 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $25,434 — 16.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Texas of $3,200 represents just 16.61% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($19,261/year) in Keller. 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 Keller
- 1Research the Keller market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $19,261 to $21,982, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Keller, 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 Keller for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keller'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 Keller is $19,542 ( 101.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $19,261, experienced hygienists can earn up to $38,803.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$14,973
2025 BLS Actual
$18,824
2026 Current Est.
$19,261
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Keller (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,133 | Actual |
| 2023 | $17,847 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,003 | Actual |
| 2025 | $18,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $19,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19,708 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Keller, TX grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $14,973 in 2021 to $18,824 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $19,708. New graduates entering the Keller job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keller 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 Keller
Employers in Keller hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists primarily include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often seek CPC-A coders with structured mentorship. Opportunities are also available in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers offering entry-level roles for CPC coders. To enhance initial salaries, aspiring coders may consider obtaining credentials such as AAPC's CPC or CPC-A for outpatient roles, or AHIMA's CCS for inpatient positions. Keeping up with continuous learning—especially regarding coding updates like ICD-10-CM and CPT—is vital in this remote-work-friendly industry. New coders can capitalize on the growing need for risk adjustment and HCC coding, particularly in Medicare Advantage plans. Over the first three years, it’s realistic for entry-level coders in Keller to expect gradual salary increases as they develop their skills and gain essential industry experience.
More salary data for Keller, TX:
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 Keller. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keller 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