Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Onalaska, WI: $38,845 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Onalaska, WI earns a median $38,845/year (≈ $18.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Onalaska's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $41,590 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.9% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Onalaska is $38,845, which is significantly higher than the national median of $30,349, representing a 27.99% increase. The salary range in the area varies considerably, from $29,113 at the 10th percentile to $56,244 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the differences in experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and account for local cost adjustments. As remote work continues to shape job opportunities, specialists in Onalaska are likely to experience increased competition from a wider geographic pool, which may also enhance salary potential as firms seek to attract top talent.
About the Onalaska Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,113 | $14.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,851 | $16.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $38,845 | $18.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46,852 | $22.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56,244 | $27.04 |
Median Salary Position
27.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska
In Onalaska, WI, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,131 (2026 est.). At $38,845, the local median is 27.99% above the national median of $30,349.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Onalaska: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Onalaska Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Onalaska median: $38,845/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Onalaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $35,027 | +10.90% more |
| National Average | $30,349 | +27.99% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Onalaska, WI earn a median of $38,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.99% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 10.90% above the Wisconsin state average of $35,027.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Onalaska has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Onalaska, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A medical billing and coding specialist earning $38,845 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $41,590 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$34,638
2025 BLS Actual
$37,964
2026 Current Est.
$38,845
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Onalaska (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $34,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,212 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,964 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,845 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,746 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Onalaska metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $34,638 (2021) to $37,964 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $39,746 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,108 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Onalaska 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) | $29,113 – $34,851 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,851 – $38,845 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $38,845 – $46,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $46,852 – $56,244 |
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 Onalaska
With only four medical billing and coding specialists currently employed in the Onalaska area, the local job market is relatively small, yet it may offer unique opportunities especially in specialized fields such as inpatient coding and risk adjustment. The cost of living index in Onalaska sits at 93.4, below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further than in other regions. Employers such as inpatient coding departments in hospitals and third-party coding companies are likely among the highest payers, but advancing skills through credential stacking—like obtaining CPC, CCS, and CRC certifications—can significantly enhance one’s earning potential. Additionally, productivity bonuses and the option for remote work may contribute to earnings. Aspiring professionals should focus on continuous learning in ICD-10-CM and CPT updates while considering roles that leverage HCC and risk adjustment coding, as these are the fastest-growing in the field.
More salary data for Onalaska, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical billing and coding specialists make in Onalaska, WI in 2026?
Is Onalaska, WI a good place to work as a medical billing and coding specialist?
Can medical billing and coding specialists make $100K in Onalaska?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted medical billing and coding specialist salary in Onalaska?
How much does a medical billing and coding specialist make per hour in Onalaska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $37,964 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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