Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Gillette, WY: $12,020 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Gillette, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,020 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gillette's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,547 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($15,975) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Gillette, Wyoming, realistic starting salaries in 2026 are projected to begin at approximately $12,020 annually. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions, which is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $15,975. Early-career professionals can expect to see gradual salary progression from the initial pay to about $13,750 a year—reflecting the likely earnings after a few years in the field. Given the current market conditions in Gillette, new medical billing and coding specialists may find opportunities to grow their earnings amid a 2.32% favorable growth trend in this sector, albeit starting from a lower baseline compared to national averages.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gillette
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 Gillette
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Gillette, WY typically start between $12,020 and $13,750 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,261 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $15,975 — 47.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 23.29% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,020/year) in Gillette. 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 Gillette
- 1Research the Gillette market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,020 to $13,750, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gillette, 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 Gillette for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gillette's moderate 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 Gillette is $12,261 ( 102.00%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,020, experienced hygienists can earn up to $24,281.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,344
2025 BLS Actual
$11,747
2026 Current Est.
$12,020
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Gillette (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,344 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,137 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,263 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,020 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,298 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Gillette, WY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,344 in 2021 to $11,747 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,298. New graduates entering the Gillette job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gillette 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 Gillette
In Gillette, local employers such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams are actively seeking entry-level candidates, particularly those with credentials like AAPC’s CPC-A (apprentice) designation. Physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers also frequently offer positions for recent grads. To enhance earning potential, it is advisable to pursue additional certifications such as AHIMA’s CCS (inpatient) or CRC (risk adjustment). As the shift towards remote employment continues, the need for ongoing education in coding updates is critical; keeping abreast of ICD-10-CM changes and quarterly CPT updates will be vital for professional advancement. Over the first three years, entry-level salaries could see moderate growth as early-career specialists enhance their skills and professional credentials, making it a strategic time to consider investing in further specialization within subspecialties, such as risk adjustment coding, which is experiencing notable demand.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
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 Gillette. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gillette 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