Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kenosha, WI: $23,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Kenosha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $23,942 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenosha's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,634 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,748) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field as medical billing and coding specialists in Kenosha, Wisconsin, the projected starting salary in 2026 is $23,942. This figure reflects the lower end of the pay scale, which offers a clear gap compared to the median annual salary of $34,748 for all specialists in the area. Over the initial 3-5 years, new professionals can expect their pay to grow as they gain experience, potentially reaching around $30,503, the 25th percentile, before attaining the median. With a growth rate of 2.32% per year in this sector, Kenosha currently presents a favorable market for entry-level coders, particularly in light of its low cost of living index at 93.4, making it an attractive option for those just starting their careers.
About the Kenosha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenosha
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 Kenosha
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Kenosha, WI typically start between $23,942 and $30,503 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $29,917 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,748 — 14.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 14.62% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($23,942/year) in Kenosha. 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 Kenosha
- 1Research the Kenosha market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $23,942 to $30,503, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kenosha, 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 Kenosha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenosha's below-average 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 Kenosha is $29,917 ( 124.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $23,942, experienced hygienists can earn up to $53,859.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,612
2025 BLS Actual
$23,399
2026 Current Est.
$23,942
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kenosha (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,612 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,054 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,399 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,497 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Kenosha, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,612 in 2021 to $23,399 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,497. New graduates entering the Kenosha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
In Kenosha, several employers actively seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, particularly in third-party coding firms and payer coding audit teams that welcome candidates with certifications like CPC-A (apprentice coder) and provide structured mentorship. Local physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) typically offer initial roles for coding specialists, while more advanced positions, such as inpatient coding at hospitals, generally require a CCS credential. To enhance their earning potential in Wisconsin, new graduates should consider pursuing additional certifications from AAPC and AHIMA, including the CPC for outpatient roles or the CCS for inpatient coding. Given the trend towards remote work—now approximately 80% of the profession—and the continuous learning needed for ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, those early in their careers need to be proactive about their education and skill development. This sector has seen significant growth in risk adjustment and HCC coding, making it a promising avenue for newly minted professionals to explore in their first years. Salary progression in this area can be realistic, with new coders potentially moving to higher pay brackets as they accumulate experience and certifications.
More salary data for Kenosha, WI:
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 Kenosha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kenosha 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