Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Moorhead, MN: $16,675 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Moorhead, MN earns a median $16,675/year (≈ $8.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $16,929 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Medical billing and coding specialists in Moorhead, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $16,675 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $30,349. Local wage projections indicate a salary range from $12,954 at the 10th percentile to $25,846 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various factors such as specialty and level of certification. For those focused on inpatient coding, particularly CCS designation holders, earnings are generally higher compared to those engaged in outpatient CPC work or risk adjustment coding. The figures presented here are estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the economic realities of working in Moorhead’s healthcare sector. As the market evolves, understanding these dynamics can empower individuals to negotiate effectively in this competitive environment.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12,954 | $6.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14,652 | $7.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $16,675 | $8.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $20,384 | $9.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25,846 | $12.42 |
Median Salary Position
45.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $12,892 (2026 est.). At $16,675, the local median is 45.06% below the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $16,675/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $17,334 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -45.06% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $16,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.06% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $17,334.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $16,675 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $16,929 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$14,869
2025 BLS Actual
$16,297
2026 Current Est.
$16,675
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $15,035 | Actual |
| 2023 | $15,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,155 | Actual |
| 2025 | $16,297 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16,675 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17,062 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $14,869 (2021) to $16,297 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $17,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,193 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $12,954 – $14,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $14,652 – $16,675 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $16,675 – $20,384 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $20,384 – $25,846 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Moorhead
Despite the modest pay for medical billers and coders in Moorhead, the market shows some stability with 11 specialists currently employed in the area. The cost of living index in Moorhead stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average, which means take-home pay has to stretch further here. Among local employers, physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments are likely to offer the highest salaries, whereas remote opportunities through third-party coding firms may attract those seeking flexibility. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to specialty expertise—credentials such as a CPC, CCS, or CRC may have significant impacts on earning potential, as well as factors like productivity bonuses and remote work arrangements. For those looking to maximize their pay in Moorhead, diversifying credentials and pursuing in-demand specializations like risk adjustment coding may prove advantageous in an increasingly competitive landscape.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $16,297 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Moorhead metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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