Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in SeaTac, WA: $24,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the SeaTac, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,457 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out SeaTac's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,772 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,920) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Entry-level positions for medical billing and coding specialists in SeaTac offer a starting salary around $24,457, which is considerably lower than the overall median annual salary of $33,920 for this occupation in the area. This disparity highlights the incremental growth potential that new graduates can expect over their first few years, progressing from the initial pay at the 10th percentile up to $28,514 within just a few years of experience. As industry needs continue to evolve, SeaTac emerges as a supportive market for newcomers in the field, particularly given its projected growth rate of 2.32% annually. For new coders looking to establish their careers, understanding these starting figures allows for realistic salary expectations as they navigate their early professional journeys.
About the SeaTac Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in SeaTac
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 SeaTac
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in SeaTac, WA typically start between $24,457 and $28,514 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,119 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,920 — 11.77% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 19.63% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,457/year) in SeaTac. 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 SeaTac
- 1Research the SeaTac market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,457 to $28,514, 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 SeaTac, 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 SeaTac for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5SeaTac'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 SeaTac is $28,119 ( 114.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,457, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,576.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,012
2025 BLS Actual
$23,902
2026 Current Est.
$24,457
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in SeaTac (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,012 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,662 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,902 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,024 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in SeaTac, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,012 in 2021 to $23,902 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,024. New graduates entering the SeaTac job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the SeaTac 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 SeaTac
Companies that hire entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in SeaTac include third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams, which typically offer positions to coders with certifications such as CPC-A. Opportunities also exist within physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, while hospital settings tend to require certifications like CCS for inpatient coding roles. Earning credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC and AHIMA can significantly elevate starting salaries, especially for positions specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding. As over 80% of medical coding roles transitioned to remote work post-2020, new graduates need to prioritize continuous learning, particularly in mastering ICD-10-CM and staying updated with quarterly CPT releases. Within the first three years, those who actively pursue learning and certification can experience noteworthy pay increases, aiding in their professional growth within the medical billing and coding community in WA.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in SeaTac in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in SeaTac?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in SeaTac?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in SeaTac?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Washington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 SeaTac. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for SeaTac 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