Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kent, WA: $53,561 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Kent, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $53,561/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Kent's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $49,871 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
In 2026, senior medical billing and coding specialists in Kent, Washington can expect notable earning potential, with the highest tier reaching an impressive $53,561 annually. This top-end salary places Kent above the national average for experienced professionals, highlighting a significant opportunity for those with extensive experience and specialized skills. The gap between the median annual salary of $34,556 and the top earners suggests that individuals aiming for higher compensation need not only experience but also advanced certifications and niche expertise in high-demand areas. Securing such high-tier positions often requires mastery of intricate coding practices, including outpatient coding and inpatient coding, thereby ensuring that specialists are equipped to handle complex healthcare data.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Kent earn between $44,231 and $53,561 per year (2026 est.). This $28,202 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kent median of $34,556 sits 13.86% above the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Kent | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $34,556 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,231 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $53,561 | $48,159 |
In Kent, 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 Kent
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $34,556 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kent employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Kent command premium compensation, often reaching the $44,231–$53,561 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kent 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 Kent 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 Washington 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 Kent
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
AdvancedKent ranks #14 of 50 Washington cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $53,561).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Kent ($53,561) is 4.44% below the Washington average P90 ($56,052).
2021 BLS Actual
$47,864
2025 BLS Actual
$52,347
2026 Current Est.
$53,561
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kent (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,864 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,677 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,347 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,561 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,804 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Kent saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $47,864 in 2021 to $52,347 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 $54,804 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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 Kent
Compensation strategies for senior medical billing and coding specialists in Kent are influenced by various factors, including specialization and the employer's setting. For instance, specialists focusing on areas like inpatient coding (CCS), surgical coding, and oncology coding typically earn higher salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of their work. Differences in pay are also evident across employer types; those working in hospital inpatient coding departments or consulting firms often enjoy enhanced benefits and compensation compared to remote positions with third-party coding companies. Career trajectories are promising, offering pathways to roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director, particularly for those with advanced credentials from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA. Furthermore, additional incentives can boost overall compensation, including productivity bonuses or shifts towards hybrid or remote work setups, which have become more common in the ever-evolving medical billing landscape.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Kent in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Kent?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Kent?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Kent?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Kent?
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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 $52,347 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Kent 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 Kent 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