Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Salem, MA: $51,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Salem, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,753/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Salem's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $47,699 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced medical billing and coding specialists in Salem, Massachusetts, the potential for income is significant, with the top tier (P90) projected to earn as much as $51,753 in 2026. This figure not only reflects advanced career achievements but also highlights the premium that experience brings to the salary landscape. The median salary of $33,389 shows a considerable distance from the high-end compensation, underlining the rewards associated with expertise in the field. To reach the higher income brackets, medical coding professionals typically need to focus on gaining specialized certifications, continuous education, and valuable on-the-job experience that is crucial in navigating the complexities of coding roles. Senior professionals who hone their skills in high-demand specialties such as inpatient coding or risk adjustment stand out in a competitive job market, contributing to their earning potential.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Salem earn between $40,863 and $51,753 per year (2026 est.). This $25,749 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Salem median of $33,389 sits 10.02% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Salem | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $33,389 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,863 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $51,753 | $48,159 |
In Salem, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Salem
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $33,389 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Salem employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Salem command premium compensation, often reaching the $40,863–$51,753 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Salem metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Salem with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Salem
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSalem ranks #36 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $51,753).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Salem ($51,753) is 5.99% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($48,827).
2021 BLS Actual
$46,248
2025 BLS Actual
$50,580
2026 Current Est.
$51,753
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,033 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,224 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,580 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,954 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Salem saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $46,248 in 2021 to $50,580 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $52,954 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Salem
In Salem, specific specializations can significantly enhance compensation for senior medical billing and coding professionals. Areas such as inpatient coding (CCS), surgical coding, and compliance auditing (CPMA) often command premium pay due to their complexity and the level of expertise required. The type of employer also influences compensation; experienced coders in physician group practices or hospital inpatient departments generally receive higher salaries than those working for third-party coding companies or in remote coding roles. Career advancement is a realistic aspiration, with opportunities to become a lead coder, coding supervisor, or even HIM director. Advanced credentials certified by organizations like AAPC and AHIMA—such as the CCS or CPC—play a critical role in determining salary increases in Salem. Furthermore, additional factors like productivity bonuses and the choice between remote versus in-office work can also impact overall compensation, as specialists navigate the evolving coding landscape shaped by coding updates and the growing demand for risk adjustment coding.
More salary data for Salem, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Salem in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Salem?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Salem?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Salem?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Salem?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $50,580 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Salem metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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