Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $25,361 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,361 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,614 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,296) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates stepping into the role of medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines, Washington, can anticipate a starting salary around $25,361. While this figure reflects the lower end of the salary spectrum, it remains a key entry point into a growing field. The median annual salary for this position stands at $34,296, creating a notable gap where early-career professionals can expect to gradually earn more over time, potentially reaching the $29,297 mark within the first few years. The local job market appears to be favorable for newcomers, particularly as medical coding jobs increasingly transition to remote work opportunities, facilitating a smoother entry for those just starting their careers in this sector.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Des Moines, WA typically start between $25,361 and $29,297 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,627 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,296 — 13.01% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 18.93% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,361/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,361 to $29,297, 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 Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $27,627 ( 108.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,361, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,988.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,715
2025 BLS Actual
$24,786
2026 Current Est.
$25,361
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,715 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,242 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,361 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,949 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,715 in 2021 to $24,786 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,949. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Employers in Des Moines actively seek fresh talent, particularly from third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that welcome apprentice coders starting their journey with credentials like CPC-A. Clinics and outpatient surgical centers often provide entry-level positions for new graduates, while hospital inpatient coding roles typically require higher certification, such as CCS. For those looking to maximize their marketability, obtaining additional credentials from recognized bodies, such as AAPC or AHIMA, can lead to increased starting pay and a stronger foundation in a competitive environment. During the first few years, focusing on continuous education—especially regarding ICD-10-CM and CPT updates—is crucial given the evolving demands of the industry. With a moderate annual growth rate of 2.32%, salaries in this field can rise significantly, particularly for those specializing in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding.
More salary data for Des Moines, 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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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