Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bremerton, WA: $26,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Bremerton, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,307 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bremerton's local price level (BEA RPP 105.6 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,910 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,830) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the medical billing and coding field, starting salaries in Bremerton, WA, are projected to be quite competitive. New graduates can expect to see initial compensation beginning around $26,307, providing a solid entry point into a career that has a median annual salary of $34,830 in the area. This starting figure represents a gap to the median salary, but growth potential exists, as entry-level professionals typically advance toward the 25th percentile earnings—$28,907—within the first few years. The local market has shown itself to be welcoming for new grads, particularly as demand for medical billing and coding specialists continues to grow at an annual rate of 2.32%. Therefore, those pursuing a career in this field can find promising opportunities awaiting them in Bremerton.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bremerton
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 Bremerton
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Bremerton, WA typically start between $26,307 and $28,907 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,208 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,830 — 14.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 18.25% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($26,307/year) in Bremerton. 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 Bremerton
- 1Research the Bremerton market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $26,307 to $28,907, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bremerton, 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 Bremerton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bremerton'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 Bremerton is $22,208 ( 84.42%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,307, experienced hygienists can earn up to $48,515.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$35,910
2025 BLS Actual
$25,711
2026 Current Est.
$26,307
2021–2027 Growth
+-25.0%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bremerton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,711 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,918 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Bremerton, WA grew -28.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,910 in 2021 to $25,711 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,918. New graduates entering the Bremerton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bremerton 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 Bremerton
In Bremerton, several organizations are actively hiring entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, making it an advantageous location for new graduates. These roles are commonly found within physician group practices, outpatient surgery centers, and third-party coding companies, which often provide structured mentorship for apprentice coders. Earning credentials, such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) from AHIMA, can significantly enhance starting medical billing and coding specialist pay in WA. Additionally, staying current with industry standards—such as ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates—remains vital for career progression. The shift to a predominantly remote work environment post-2020 also positions new coders to access a broader job market. With the rise of risk adjustment and HCC coding, additional certifications can further bolster a coder's qualifications, opening doors for salary growth and advancement within the first few years of their career.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
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 Bremerton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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