Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Maple Valley, WA: $24,965 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Maple Valley, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,965 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maple Valley's local price level (BEA RPP 107.47% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,245 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($32,932) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,965
Starting Salary
$12.00/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,965
Entry Level
$32,932
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Maple Valley, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Maple Valley, WA medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Maple Valley, WA, is projected to begin around $24,965 for entry-level positions. This initial offering reflects a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $32,932, illustrating the common early-career pay disparity experienced in many fields. For new graduates entering this workforce, there’s an upward trajectory to consider, as they can realistically expect to grow to $27,776 within a couple of years. With time and experience, many aim to reach the median salary by the three to five-year mark, benefiting from the area's favorable market conditions for new graduates pursuing careers in medical billing and coding.

About the Maple Valley Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Maple Valley

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,965/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$27,776/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$32,932/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$41,050/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Maple Valley

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley. The median salary is $32,932, compared to the national median of $30,349.$22.5K$30.0K$37.6K$45.2K$52.7K$25.0K10th Pctl$27.8K25th Pctl$32.9KMedian$41.0K75th Pctl$50.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley, WA typically start between $24,965 and $27,776 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,267 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $32,9328.51% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Maple Valley metro area.

Return on Investment

$4,800
Avg WA Program Cost
$24,965
Starting Salary
19.23%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 19.23% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,965/year) in Maple Valley. 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 Maple Valley

  • 1Research the Maple Valley market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,965 to $27,776, 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 Maple Valley, 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 Maple Valley for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Maple Valley'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 Maple Valley is $25,267 ( 101.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,965, experienced hygienists can earn up to $50,232.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$19,407

2025 BLS Actual

$24,399

2026 Current Est.

$24,965

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Maple Valley (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley. Baseline $19,407 in 2025, projected to $25,544 by 2027.$13.8K$23.6K$33.3K$43.1K$52.8K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$19.4K$20.9K$23.1K$47.3K$24.4K$25.0K$25.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$19,407Actual
2022$20,911Actual
2023$23,133Actual
2024$47,275Actual
2025$24,399Actual
2026(current)$24,965Estimated
2027$25,544Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Maple Valley, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,407 in 2021 to $24,399 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,544. New graduates entering the Maple Valley job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maple Valley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Maple Valley

In terms of employment opportunities, various employers in Maple Valley seek to hire recent graduates in this field, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that often welcome those with an apprentice credential (CPC-A) and provide structured mentorship. Entry-level roles are also available at physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs). Although hospital inpatient coding typically requires advanced certification (CCS), targeting entry-level positions with relevant credentials such as AAPC's CPC or AHIMA's CCS can enhance earning potential right out of the gate. As remote work becomes the norm—approximately 80% of medical coding jobs shifted that way post-2020—new coders are encouraged to stay current with ongoing education. Continuous learning is critical, especially with the frequent updates to ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. In this evolving landscape, focusing on specialized areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, which are experiencing rapid growth, can further improve salary prospects and career advancement within the first few years of employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley start at approximately $24,965/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $12.00/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Maple Valley?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Maple Valley progress from the entry-level salary of $24,965 to the area median of $32,932 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $50,232 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Maple Valley?

With a starting salary of $24,965/year in Maple Valley and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Maple Valley?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Maple Valley typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,965/year, or approximately $12.00/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Washington?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Washington, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Washington, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Washington

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Maple Valley. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Maple Valley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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