Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Seattle, WA: $28,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Seattle, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,278 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Seattle's local price level (BEA RPP 111.1 — 11% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,445 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($38,889) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Seattle can expect to see starting salaries around $28,278 in 2026. This figure is substantially below the city’s median annual salary of $38,889, indicating a potential gap that can be bridged with experience and further education. Entry-level professionals typically start at the lower end of the scale but can anticipate growth in earnings over the first few years, with projections suggesting an increase to around $31,815 by the time they reach the 25th percentile. Seattle’s healthcare industry has shown resilience and growth, making it a favorable job market for new entrants ready to develop their skills in medical coding and billing.
Career Earnings Timeline in Seattle
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 Seattle
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Seattle, WA typically start between $28,278 and $31,815 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $31,400 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $38,889 — 28.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 16.97% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($28,278/year) in Seattle. 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 Seattle
- 1Research the Seattle market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $28,278 to $31,815, 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 Seattle, 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 Seattle for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Seattle's above-average cost of living (index: 111.133) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Seattle is $31,400 ( 111.04%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,278, experienced hygienists can earn up to $59,678.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$38,180
2025 BLS Actual
$27,637
2026 Current Est.
$28,278
2021–2027 Growth
+-24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Seattle (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,637 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,934 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Seattle, WA grew -27.6% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,180 in 2021 to $27,637 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,934. New graduates entering the Seattle job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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 Seattle
In Seattle, employers such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams are among the primary sources of entry-level roles for newly credentialed specialists. These companies are often eager to hire apprentices, offering structured mentorship to enhance skills. For those looking to boost their starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in Seattle, obtaining credentials like the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can significantly impact earning potential. The current trend towards remote work means that ongoing education—staying abreast of updates in ICD-10-CM and CPT codes—is crucial. This dynamic highlights the importance of pursuing additional certifications in risk adjustment and specialized coding as these areas are growing rapidly, especially in light of recent changes in healthcare markets. Over the initial years, entry-level professionals may realistically see salary growth that is reflective of obtained skills and certifications, making it vital to be proactive in career development from the outset.
More salary data for Seattle, 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 Seattle. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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