Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Murray, UT: $24,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Murray, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,355 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Murray's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($35,101) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Murray, Utah, can expect to begin their careers with starting salaries around $24,355. This figure, while modest, reflects the lower tier of entry-level positions in the local market. When looking at the overall median salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Murray, which is projected to be $35,101, the gap is significant. However, there is potential for growth; with experience and skill development, entry-level coders can progress to the 25th percentile, earning approximately $28,807 within a few years. Given Murray's employment landscape and the rising demand for coding professionals, particularly in outpatient settings and remote work options, it is a viable market for new graduates aiming for a foothold in the healthcare industry.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Murray
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 Murray
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Murray, UT typically start between $24,355 and $28,807 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $30,052 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $35,101 — 15.66% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 13.14% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,355/year) in Murray. 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 Murray
- 1Research the Murray market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,355 to $28,807, 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 Murray, 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 Murray for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Murray'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 Murray is $30,052 ( 123.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,355, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,407.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,933
2025 BLS Actual
$23,803
2026 Current Est.
$24,355
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Murray (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,933 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,568 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,946 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,920 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Murray, UT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,933 in 2021 to $23,803 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,920. New graduates entering the Murray job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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 Murray
Looking deeper into the opportunities available for new graduates in Murray, various employers actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams commonly hire candidates with AAPC's CPC-A certification, providing essential mentorship for those just starting their careers. Furthermore, outpatient surgical centers and physician group practices often offer entry-level roles, while hospitals may prefer CCS-certified coders for inpatient coding positions. To enhance earnings potential, newbies should consider pursuing certifications such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, or HCPCS proficiency, which can effectively boost their marketability. Moreover, understanding the shift towards remote positions in coding and the growing demand for risk adjustment and HCC coding related to Medicare Advantage can shape career strategies during the first few years. In this evolving landscape, consistent professional development and earning additional credentials can significantly improve salary trajectories as they gain experience in this expanding field.
More salary data for Murray, 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 Murray. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Murray 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