Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $51,963 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Bismarck, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $51,963/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Bismarck's price premium (BEA RPP 91.0, 9% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $57,087 in average-cost America. The 87% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$51,963
Top 10% Earn
$24.99/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$36,616
75th Percentile
$51,963
90th Percentile

Official BLS data · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Senior Salary in Bismarck, ND — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bismarck, ND medical billing and coding specialist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Bismarck, experienced medical billing and coding specialists are positioned to earn competitive salaries, particularly the top-tier professionals who can command salaries as high as $51,963 in 2026. This peak earning potential highlights a substantial gap between the median annual earnings of $27,727 and the higher wages available to those who have honed their skills through years of practice, demonstrating a clear experience premium in this profession. These top earners not only benefit from extensive knowledge of coding standards like ICD-10-CM and CPT but also often possess specialized certifications that enhance their marketability. Mastery of coding in high-demand areas such as inpatient, surgical, and oncology coding is essential for those aiming to reach the upper end of this salary range in Bismarck, ND.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck. The median salary is $27,727, compared to the national median of $30,349.$21.5K$29.8K$38.0K$46.3K$54.6K$23.9K10th Pctl$23.9K25th Pctl$27.7KMedian$36.6K75th Pctl$52.0K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Bismarck earn between $36,616 and $51,963 per year (2026 est.). This $28,070 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bismarck median of $27,727 sits 8.64% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Bismarck metro area.

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelBismarckNational
Median (P50)$27,727$30,349
75th Percentile$36,616$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$51,963$48,159

In Bismarck, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 87.41% 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 Bismarck

1

Advanced Certifications in North Dakota

ND medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $27,727 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bismarck employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Bismarck command premium compensation, often reaching the $36,616–$51,963 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bismarck metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in North Dakota 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 Bismarck

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$23,893 – $27,727

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$27,727 – $36,616

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$36,616+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Bismarck ranks #1 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $51,963).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Bismarck ($51,963) is 13.08% above the North Dakota average P90 ($45,954).

2021 BLS Actual

$61,680

2025 BLS Actual

$50,785

2026 Current Est.

$51,963

2021–2027 Growth

+-13.8%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Bismarck (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck. Baseline $61,680 in 2025, projected to $53,169 by 2027.$41.9K$57.4K$73.0K$88.5K$104.0K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$61.7K$60.0K$68.8K$95.2K$50.8K$52.0K$53.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$61,680Actual
2022$59,990Actual
2023$68,850Actual
2024$95,150Actual
2025$50,785Actual
2026(current)$51,963Estimated
2027$53,169Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Bismarck saw their compensation grow -17.7% from $61,680 in 2021 to $50,785 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 $53,169 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bismarck

For senior-level medical billers and coders, particular specializations are crucial in determining compensation packages. Professionals who have achieved advanced certifications such as the AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or the AHIMA's Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) are often rewarded with increased pay, particularly when they focus on high-demand coding fields like risk adjustment (CRC) or anesthesia coding. Additionally, variations in payer types—ranging from hospital coding departments to independent consulting firms—can significantly impact salary brackets for experienced workers. These diverse settings also provide pathways for leadership roles, potentially leading to titles like coding supervisor or health information management (HIM) director. Advanced credentials and the ability to take on auditing responsibilities further enhance earning prospects, especially in a shifting market where remote work has become the norm. Therefore, understanding the specific needs of employers and aligning one's skill set accordingly can lead to higher annual income and additional non-salary benefits in Bismarck's coding sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Bismarck in 2026?

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck (90th percentile) make $51,963/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $24,236 more than the area median of $27,727 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical billing and coding specialists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Bismarck?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Bismarck is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Bismarck?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Bismarck include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $27,727, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Bismarck?

The 90th percentile in Bismarck is $51,963. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Bismarck?

In Bismarck, the gap between entry level ($23,893) and top earners ($51,963) is $28,070, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in North Dakota

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 $50,785 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Bismarck 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, 5-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

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