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 95.8 — 4% 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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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 Laramie
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 $16,666 — 45.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,527 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,265 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,356 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,978 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,540 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laramie 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 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.
More salary data for Laramie, 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 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).
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