Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Ellensburg, WA: $24,973 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Ellensburg, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,973 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ellensburg's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,252 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,022) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Ellensburg, Washington, the starting pay for an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary in Ellensburg is set at $24,973 in 2026, which presents a realistic starting point as they embark on their careers. This figure sits significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $33,022, marking a gap that many can bridge as they gain experience and skills in the first few years. With an estimated growth trajectory, entry-level positions allow for salary increases as newcomers progress through initial years, potentially reaching $28,388 after gaining more expertise. Considering the employment landscape, Ellensburg currently shows promise for medical billing and coding positions, providing early-career professionals with opportunities to build their careers in a growing field.
About the Ellensburg Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ellensburg
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 Ellensburg
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Ellensburg, WA typically start between $24,973 and $28,388 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $24,062 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,022 — 8.81% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 19.22% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,973/year) in Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg
- 1Research the Ellensburg market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,973 to $28,388, 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 Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ellensburg'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 Ellensburg is $24,062 ( 96.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,973, experienced hygienists can earn up to $49,035.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,413
2025 BLS Actual
$24,407
2026 Current Est.
$24,973
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Ellensburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,917 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,265 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,407 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,973 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,553 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Ellensburg, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,413 in 2021 to $24,407 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,553. New graduates entering the Ellensburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
Employers in Ellensburg who hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that typically offer structured mentorship programs for CPC-A (apprentice) coders. Additionally, many physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) recruit entry-level CPC roles, while opportunities for inpatient coding at hospitals necessitate a CCS certification. To enhance earning potential in Washington, new coders may pursue credentials like the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS, in addition to gaining proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS code sets. With the medical coding industry shifting towards remote work, continuous learning has become vital to stay updated on coding practices and guidelines. Given the expected demand for specialists in risk adjustment and HCC coding, new graduates can anticipate steady salary growth within their first few years, aligning with the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually for the workforce in this market.
More salary data for Ellensburg, 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 Ellensburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ellensburg 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