Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Holladay, UT: $20,075 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Holladay, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,075 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holladay's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $20,464 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($27,022) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field as medical billing and coding specialists in Holladay, Utah, the starting pay presents a realistic yet modest outlook. The entry-level pay, positioned at $20,075, falls significantly below the median annual salary of $27,022 for the area. Newly graduated professionals may find that their initial salary is closer to the 10th percentile than the median, but there is a growth trajectory to consider. With diligent work and skill development, individuals can advance to salaries around $23,067 within a few years, gradually working toward the median as they gain experience and expertise. The market in Holladay is currently accommodating for new graduates, allowing opportunities for growth in this vital healthcare sector, although aspiring coders should be prepared for a starting salary that reflects their entry-level status.
About the Holladay Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holladay
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 Holladay
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Holladay, UT typically start between $20,075 and $23,067 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $21,650 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $27,022 — 10.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 15.94% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($20,075/year) in Holladay. 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 Holladay
- 1Research the Holladay market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $20,075 to $23,067, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holladay, 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 Holladay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holladay'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 Holladay is $21,650 ( 107.85%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,075, experienced hygienists can earn up to $41,725.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$15,606
2025 BLS Actual
$19,620
2026 Current Est.
$20,075
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Holladay (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $16,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $18,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $19,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20,075 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,541 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Holladay, UT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $15,606 in 2021 to $19,620 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,541. New graduates entering the Holladay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holladay 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 Holladay
In Holladay, various employers are actively seeking newly graduated medical billing and coding specialists, notably third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often provide needed mentorship for individuals holding CPC-A (apprentice) certifications. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers typically offer initial roles as CPCs, while hospital inpatient coding positions require a CCS credential. To boost earning potential, candidates should consider pursuing additional credentials through recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA, such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS. Engaging in continuous education is crucial, as the healthcare coding landscape continuously evolves with updates to standards like ICD-10-CM and CPT coding. Furthermore, positioning oneself in growth areas like risk adjustment or HCC coding can significantly impact career advancement in the first few years. Typically, beginning coders in this job market can expect to see gradual salary progression, with opportunities for higher pay as they enhance their skill sets.
More salary data for Holladay, UT:
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 Holladay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holladay 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