Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $25,724 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,724 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $27,542 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,507) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Manitowoc can expect a starting salary of approximately $25,724. This figure represents the 10th percentile, reflecting the realities of entry-level positions in a competitive job market where the median annual income for all specialists is $33,507. Given that starting salaries typically span up to $51,530 at the 90th percentile, early-career coders may find themselves on a positive upward trajectory, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile of $29,217 within their first few years. For recent graduates seeking their first roles, Manitowoc represents a reasonable job market that offers viable entry points, especially in light of the area’s cost of living index of 93.4, which is below the national average.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
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 Manitowoc
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $25,724 and $29,217 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,806 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,507 — 10.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 13.61% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,724/year) in Manitowoc. 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 Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,724 to $29,217, 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 Manitowoc, 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 Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc'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 Manitowoc is $25,806 ( 100.32%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,724, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,530.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,997
2025 BLS Actual
$25,141
2026 Current Est.
$25,724
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Manitowoc (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,997 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,547 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,724 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,321 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,997 in 2021 to $25,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,321. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Employers in Manitowoc actively seek out new grad medical billing and coding specialists, particularly in settings like third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often hire apprentice coders and provide structured mentorship programs. Opportunities are also available in physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers, though hospital inpatient coding positions typically require more advanced credentials, such as the CCS designation. To enhance earnings potential and job prospects, aspiring coders should consider obtaining certifications from recognized bodies like AAPC, including the CPC or CPC-A for outpatient coding, or AHIMA’s CCS for inpatient. The evolving landscape of remote work in coding, with roughly 80% of positions now available from home, offers further flexibility and the chance to specialize in high-demand areas such as risk adjustment and HCC coding. New graduates can anticipate realistic salary growth as they gain experience, navigating the complexities of coding standards, such as the ICD-10-CM, and participating in ongoing education to stay current in their field.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Manitowoc in 2026?
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Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Manitowoc?
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How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Wisconsin?
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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 Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc 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