Medical Billing Salary

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 93.47% 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.

$25,724
Starting Salary
$12.37/hr
Starting Hourly
$25,724
Entry Level
$33,507
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

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

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$25,724/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$29,217/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$33,507/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$42,669/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Manitowoc. The median salary is $33,507, compared to the national median of $30,349.$23.2K$30.9K$38.6K$46.4K$54.1K$25.7K10th Pctl$29.2K25th Pctl$33.5KMedian$42.7K75th Pctl$51.5K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

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 $33,50710.41% above the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$25,724
Starting Salary
13.61%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

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 (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 Manitowoc. Baseline $19,997 in 2025, projected to $26,321 by 2027.$17.5K$21.9K$26.2K$30.5K$34.9K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$20.0K$21.5K$23.8K$32.4K$25.1K$25.7K$26.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$19,997Actual
2022$21,547Actual
2023$23,836Actual
2024$32,410Actual
2025$25,141Actual
2026(current)$25,724Estimated
2027$26,321Projected

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 (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Manitowoc start at approximately $25,724/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 $12.37/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 Manitowoc?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Manitowoc progress from the entry-level salary of $25,724 to the area median of $33,507 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $51,530 (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 Manitowoc?

With a starting salary of $25,724/year in Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Manitowoc typically start near the 10th percentile at $25,724/year, or approximately $12.37/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 Wisconsin?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

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 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).

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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