Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Powell, WY: $12,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,736 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($15,582) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Powell, Wyoming, new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding can expect a starting salary of around $12,201 in 2026. When you compare this to the city’s median annual salary of $15,582 for this profession, there's a noticeable salary gap that may impact immediate earnings potential. However, depending on experience and skills gained over the first few years, there's potential for growth, as entry-level professionals advance to a P25 salary of $13,747 and possibly reach the median shortly thereafter. Additionally, with a projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Powell remains a reasonable market for individuals just stepping into this career, given the stable demand for medical coding professionals in the area.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Powell, WY typically start between $12,201 and $13,747 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,472 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $15,582 — 48.66% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 22.95% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,201/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,201 to $13,747, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $11,472 ( 94.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $23,673.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,484
2025 BLS Actual
$11,924
2026 Current Est.
$12,201
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Powell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $11,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,484 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,484 in 2021 to $11,924 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,484. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
For new graduates embarking on their careers in medical billing and coding, understanding the local job market is essential. Employers in Powell, such as physician group practices, outpatient surgical centers, and coding audit teams, actively seek to hire entry-level coders, particularly those with the AAPC credential CPC-A (apprentice) or AHIMA’s CCS-P (physician). Getting informed about essential certifications can significantly influence starting pay. It's crucial to prioritize continuous education, as medical coding has evolved to include a significant remote work component, making proficiency in current coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT necessary. The highest demand currently exists in risk adjustment and HCC coding, particularly for Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplace plans. As you build your skills over the first few years, a realistic expectation would be steady salary growth as you gain experience and potentially additional certifications, setting you up for more favorable compensation in the future.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Powell in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Powell?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Powell?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Powell?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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