Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Billings, MT: $37,281 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $37,281/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $39,862 in average-cost America. The 25% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Billings, Montana, experienced medical billing and coding specialists who are at the top of their field have significant earning potential, with anticipated salaries reaching up to $37,281 by 2026. This top medical billing and coding specialist salary in Billings represents a notable contrast to the median salary of $29,785, creating an impressive gap that emphasizes the value of experience and specialized skills. To attain this higher pay bracket, professionals need to build a robust portfolio that may include obtaining advanced certifications, such as CCS or CPC, and developing expertise in high-demand areas including inpatient and outpatient coding. As the industry continues to evolve, those who stay ahead of the curve through ongoing education in coding standards like ICD-10-CM and CPT updates will find themselves well-positioned for top-tier financial rewards.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $35,524 and $37,281 per year (2026 est.). This $13,210 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $29,785 sits 1.86% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $29,785 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,524 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $37,281 | $48,159 |
In Billings, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 25.17% 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 Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $29,785 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $35,524–$37,281 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings 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 Billings 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 Montana 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 Billings
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
AdvancedBillings ranks #6 of 7 Montana cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $37,281).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Billings ($37,281) is 3.92% below the Montana average P90 ($38,804).
2021 BLS Actual
$62,380
2025 BLS Actual
$36,436
2026 Current Est.
$37,281
2021–2027 Growth
+-38.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $62,380 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,881 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,320 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,436 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,281 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,146 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow -41.6% from $62,380 in 2021 to $36,436 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 $38,146 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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 Billings
Comparing salaries across different employer types reveals disparities reflecting the demand for specialized skills. Senior medical billing and coding roles in Billings can yield different compensation levels, depending on the setting; physician group practices or hospital coding departments typically offer competitive salaries, while remote opportunities through third-party coding companies may provide flexibility. Specializations such as inpatient coding (CCS) and risk adjustment (CRC) currently command higher pay, reflecting their complexity and necessity in today’s healthcare landscape. Additionally, advanced credentials can lead to further increases in income, especially for coders pursuing roles like coding auditor or HIM director. Non-salary compensation factors, including productivity bonuses and the option for remote work, enhance the overall financial package for experienced specialists in MT, indicating a strong market for those who invest in their skill enhancement.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Billings?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Billings?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Billings?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Billings?
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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 $36,436 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Billings 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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