Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Laramie, WY: $12,256 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Laramie, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,256 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Laramie's local price level (BEA RPP 95.84% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,793 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($16,666) within a few years of clinical practice.

$12,256
Starting Salary
$5.89/hr
Starting Hourly
$12,256
Entry Level
$16,666
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Starting salaries for new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Laramie, WY, are projected to be quite modest in 2026. Entry-level positions may offer salaries around $12,256 at the 10th percentile, which sets a challenging benchmark when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $16,666. This indicates a nearly $4,410 gap between the average starting pay and the city median. However, there's potential for growth as professionals accumulate experience; the expected earnings can rise to $14,187 by the 25th percentile and eventually reach the median salary with dedication and skill development over the first three to five years. Given Laramie’s projected annual growth rate of 2.32%, this city remains a viable option for fresh graduates seeking opportunities in medical billing and coding, despite the prevailing entry-level pay structure that is notably lower than the national median of $30,349.

About the Laramie Market

Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Laramie

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$12,256/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$14,187/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$16,666/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$20,528/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laramie

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Laramie. The median salary is $16,666, compared to the national median of $30,349.$11.0K$16.2K$21.4K$26.7K$31.9K$12.3K10th Pctl$14.2K25th Pctl$16.7KMedian$20.5K75th Pctl$25.1K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Laramie, WY typically start between $12,256 and $14,187 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $12,824 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $16,66645.09% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$2,800
Avg WY Program Cost
$12,256
Starting Salary
22.85%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 22.85% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,256/year) in Laramie. 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 Laramie

  • 1Research the Laramie market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,256 to $14,187, 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 Laramie, 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 Laramie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Laramie'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 Laramie is $12,824 ( 104.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,256, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,080.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$9,527

2025 BLS Actual

$11,978

2026 Current Est.

$12,256

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Laramie (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 Laramie. Baseline $9,527 in 2025, projected to $12,540 by 2027.$4.9K$13.0K$21.2K$29.4K$37.6K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$9.5K$10.3K$11.4K$32.9K$12.0K$12.3K$12.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$9,527Actual
2022$10,265Actual
2023$11,356Actual
2024$32,885Actual
2025$11,978Actual
2026(current)$12,256Estimated
2027$12,540Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Laramie, WY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,527 in 2021 to $11,978 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,540. New graduates entering the Laramie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 Laramie

In Laramie, several employers are open to hiring new graduates, particularly third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that are willing to onboard apprentice coders with structured mentorship programs. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers often have openings for entry-level coder roles, while hospital positions typically require more advanced certifications such as the CCS for inpatient coding. For newcomers looking to increase their starting medical billing and coding specialist salary, obtaining relevant credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA can make a significant difference. Certifications such as AAPC's CPC or CPC-A and AHIMA’s CCS or CCS-P can boost initial pay. As most coding roles have shifted to a remote working model since 2020, it’s essential for new coders to stay up-to-date on changes in coding standards—ICD-10-CM and CPT updates happen regularly. Those who focus on sought-after skills in risk adjustment and HCC coding, particularly in Medicare Advantage contexts, are positioned for growth opportunities. Realistic expectations for salary advancement in the first few years suggest that with the right qualifications and continuous learning, entry-level coders can expect to see meaningful increases over their initial compensation levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Laramie start at approximately $12,256/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 $5.89/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 Laramie?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Laramie progress from the entry-level salary of $12,256 to the area median of $16,666 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $25,080 (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 Laramie?

With a starting salary of $12,256/year in Laramie 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 Laramie?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Laramie typically start near the 10th percentile at $12,256/year, or approximately $5.89/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 Wyoming?

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

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 Laramie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Laramie 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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