Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in The Dalles, OR: $47,732 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in The Dalles, OR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $47,732/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back The Dalles's price premium (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $46,522 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In The Dalles, experienced medical billing and coding specialists can anticipate lucrative salaries as they advance in their careers. With the top-tier earnings reaching $47,732 in 2026, senior professionals in this field hold a distinct advantage compared to their less experienced peers, given the wide pay range that extends from $24,807 to $39,333 for those at the 75th percentile. This significant gap between the median annual salary of $31,357 and the potential for top earnings highlights the value of experience and specialization in driving compensation. Achieving these upper salary tiers requires not only extensive coding experience but also advanced certifications that align with the evolving complexities of medical billing practices.
About the The Dalles Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in The Dalles
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in The Dalles earn between $39,333 and $47,732 per year (2026 est.). This $22,925 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The The Dalles median of $31,357 sits 3.32% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | The Dalles | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $31,357 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $39,333 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $47,732 | $48,159 |
In The Dalles, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 52.22% 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 The Dalles
Advanced Certifications in Oregon
OR medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $31,357 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by The Dalles employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in The Dalles command premium compensation, often reaching the $39,333–$47,732 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the The Dalles 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 The Dalles 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 Oregon 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 The Dalles
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
AdvancedThe Dalles ranks #26 of 36 Oregon cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $47,732).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in The Dalles ($47,732) is 2.47% below the Oregon average P90 ($48,942).
2021 BLS Actual
$42,655
2025 BLS Actual
$46,650
2026 Current Est.
$47,732
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in The Dalles (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,655 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,379 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,732 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,840 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in The Dalles saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $42,655 in 2021 to $46,650 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 $48,840 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the The Dalles 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 The Dalles
Compensation for senior medical billing and coding specialists in The Dalles varies markedly based on specific skill sets and employer types. Specializations such as inpatient coding (CCS) and surgical coding often command higher pay compared to outpatient coding roles, particularly due to the technical expertise required. Employment opportunities within physician group practices and hospital inpatient coding departments typically offer better compensation than third-party coding companies or remote positions. For those pursuing leadership roles, opportunities to transition into positions such as coding supervisor or HIM director further enhance earning potential. Acquiring advanced credentials, like the AHIMA CCS or AAPC CPC, coupled with proficiency in ICD-10-CM and HCC coding, can significantly boost salary prospects. Moreover, non-salary benefits, including specialty-related bonuses and the flexibility of remote work options, contribute to a more appealing overall compensation package in this evolving field.
More salary data for The Dalles, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in The Dalles in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in The Dalles?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in The Dalles?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in The Dalles?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in The Dalles?
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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 $46,650 for medical billing and coding specialists in the The Dalles 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 The Dalles 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