Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Riverton, WY: $12,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Riverton, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,676 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Riverton's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $13,232 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($15,747) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Riverton, Wyoming, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding profession can expect a starting medical billing and coding specialist salary of around $12,676, which places them on the lower end of the salary spectrum. Compared to the city's median annual salary of $15,747, entry-level positions show a significant gap that reflects the challenges of breaking into the field. However, with perseverance and experience, new graduates can realistically aspire to earn $14,096 after reaching the 25th percentile and may eventually advance to the median salary within their first 3-5 years, emphasizing the importance of gaining experience and credentials early on. Riverton's current market conditions suggest that securing entry-level roles is feasible, but new coders must be proactive in seeking opportunities to begin their careers.
About the Riverton Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Riverton
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 Riverton
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Riverton, WY typically start between $12,676 and $14,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $11,015 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $15,747 — 48.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wyoming of $2,800 represents just 22.09% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,676/year) in Riverton. 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 Riverton
- 1Research the Riverton market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,676 to $14,096, 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 Riverton, 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 Riverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Riverton'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 Riverton is $11,015 ( 86.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,676, experienced hygienists can earn up to $23,691.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,854
2025 BLS Actual
$12,389
2026 Current Est.
$12,676
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Riverton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,854 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,746 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,046 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,389 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,971 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Riverton, WY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,854 in 2021 to $12,389 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,971. New graduates entering the Riverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Riverton 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 Riverton
In this region, various employers actively hire fresh talent willing to start their careers in medical coding. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often welcome CPC-A (apprentice) coders with structured mentorship programs. Smaller physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) typically offer entry-level roles for certified professional coders (CPC), while positions in hospital inpatient coding require more advanced credentials, like the CCS. To enhance starting pay and career prospects in Wyoming, obtaining nationally recognized credentials from AAPC or AHIMA is critical. New coders should consider certifications such as CPC or CPC-A for outpatient coding, along with specific training in ICD-10-CM, which increasingly plays a vital role in coding systems post-2020, given the shift to a predominantly remote work environment. In their first few years, coders can realistically expect salary growth as they gain experience and continue to update their skills, especially in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, providing numerous pathways for career advancement.
More salary data for Riverton, 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 Riverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Riverton 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