Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Sun Prairie, WI: $24,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Sun Prairie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,213 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sun Prairie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $25,924 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($34,043) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Those entering the medical billing and coding field in Sun Prairie, WI, should have realistic expectations for their starting medical billing and coding specialist salary in 2026. With entry-level positions typically paying around $24,213, new graduates will need to be prepared to build their skills and experience to bridge the gap toward the city’s median annual salary of $34,043. The growth trajectory in this field can be quite promising; for example, many entry-level specialists can expect their earnings to increase to about $30,339 as they progress, with further growth reaching the median salary over the first few years. Currently, Sun Prairie provides a solid market for recent graduates, as the area's competitive salary offerings exceed the national average by 12.17%, making it an appealing option for those starting their careers.
About the Sun Prairie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sun Prairie
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 Sun Prairie
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Sun Prairie, WI typically start between $24,213 and $30,339 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,553 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $34,043 — 12.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 14.46% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,213/year) in Sun Prairie. 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 Sun Prairie
- 1Research the Sun Prairie market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,213 to $30,339, 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 Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sun Prairie'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 Sun Prairie is $28,553 ( 117.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,213, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,766.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,822
2025 BLS Actual
$23,664
2026 Current Est.
$24,213
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Sun Prairie (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,822 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,281 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,436 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,664 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,775 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Sun Prairie, WI grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,822 in 2021 to $23,664 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,775. New graduates entering the Sun Prairie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sun Prairie 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 Sun Prairie
New graduates looking for employment opportunities in Sun Prairie may find various local employers willing to facilitate their entry into the profession. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams are often on the lookout for CPC-A (apprentice) coders, providing structured mentorship that can enhance skill development. Those seeking to work in physician group practices or outpatient ambulatory service centers can find entry-level CPC roles available, while hospital inpatient coding positions typically require a CCS credential. Prospective coders should consider earning certifications from either AAPC or AHIMA to increase their starting pay in WI. Staying abreast of the latest coding guidelines, such as ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates, is vital, especially as the industry has shifted to approximately 80% remote work. Focusing on high-growth subspecialties like risk adjustment and HCC coding from Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplaces can also lead to faster salary growth in the first few years. Overall, entry-level positions in Sun Prairie can set the stage for a rewarding career in medical coding, especially when combined with the right educational credentials and ongoing professional development.
More salary data for Sun Prairie, 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 Sun Prairie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Sun Prairie 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