Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kent, WA: $25,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Kent, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,359 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kent's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,612 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,556) 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 Kent, Washington can expect a starting salary that generally reflects the entry-level pay range of $25,359, with many likely earning closer to the P25 level of $29,482 as they gain experience. This range presents a notable gap compared to the overall median salary of $34,556 for medical billing and coding specialists in the city. Over the crucial first few years of employment, many will see their pay rise toward the median as they develop their skills and strengthen their qualifications. Given the current job market in Kent for these professionals, it appears to be a viable opportunity for new graduates, especially as the local healthcare industry continues to adapt and expand.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kent
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 Kent
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Kent, WA typically start between $25,359 and $29,482 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,202 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,556 — 13.86% 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 ($25,359/year) in Kent. 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 Kent
- 1Research the Kent market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,359 to $29,482, 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 Kent, 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 Kent for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kent'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 Kent is $28,202 ( 111.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,359, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,561.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,713
2025 BLS Actual
$24,784
2026 Current Est.
$25,359
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kent (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,947 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Kent, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,713 in 2021 to $24,784 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,947. New graduates entering the Kent job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
Several employers in Kent actively recruit entry-level professionals for roles in medical billing and coding. Third-party coding companies and payer audit teams, for instance, often seek out CPC-A (apprentice) coders who benefit from structured mentorship, while physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers frequently offer entry-level roles for certified coders. Credentials such as the AAPC CPC for outpatient coding or the AHIMA CCS for inpatient settings can significantly enhance starting pay. Additionally, candidates can look to specialize in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which have seen substantial growth in recent years alongside the medical coding industry's shift toward remote work. Continuous learning is crucial in this dynamic environment, as familiarity with the latest ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates can further enhance a coder's career trajectory within their first three years, ultimately leading to realistic salary advancements as they deepen their expertise in this important field.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Kent in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Kent?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Kent?
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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 Kent. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kent 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