Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Holyoke, MA: $24,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Holyoke, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,376 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holyoke's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $22,466 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,852) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the field of medical billing and coding in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary reflects both the local market conditions and the expectations for entry-level positions. In 2026, individuals can anticipate beginning salaries around $24,376, which falls below the city median of $33,852. This gap highlights the typical entry point for those entering the profession, allowing room for growth as experience and professional skills develop. Entry-level coders can expect to progress through salary brackets, with opportunities to move from the lower percentile ($24,376) to the first quartile ($28,327) and eventually to the median as they gain experience over their first three to five years.
About the Holyoke Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holyoke
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holyoke
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Holyoke, MA typically start between $24,376 and $28,327 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,094 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,852 — 11.54% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Massachusetts of $6,500 represents just 26.67% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,376/year) in Holyoke. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on AHIMA/CAHIIM-accredited coding and health information certificate programs plus AAPC-approved training courses. Certificates at community colleges and online training programs are the most affordable; associate degree programs cost more but broaden career options. Exam fees (CCA, CCS, CPC) are typically $299-$499 and are separate from tuition.
MBS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Holyoke
- 1Research the Holyoke market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,376 to $28,327, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical billing and coding field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holyoke, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Holyoke for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holyoke's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range
The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Holyoke is $28,094 ( 115.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,376, experienced hygienists can earn up to $52,470.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$18,949
2025 BLS Actual
$23,823
2026 Current Est.
$24,376
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Holyoke (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $18,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,417 | Actual |
| 2023 | $22,587 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $23,823 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24,941 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Holyoke, MA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $18,949 in 2021 to $23,823 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $24,941. New graduates entering the Holyoke job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holyoke 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.
Starting Your medical billing and coding Career in Holyoke
Employers in Holyoke that commonly hire new graduates include third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often employ apprentice coders (CPC-A) with a structured mentorship approach. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) typically offer entry-level coding roles for fresh graduates. Achieving credentials from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA can also enhance earning potential in Massachusetts; options include the CPC-A or CCS-P for outpatient settings. Given the shift towards remote work in the medical coding profession, continuous education, particularly in ICD-10-CM and risk adjustment coding, is vital. New professionals can realistically expect to see salary growth as they progress in their careers, especially in higher-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding, reflecting a significant trend within the sector.
More salary data for Holyoke, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical billing and coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Holyoke. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holyoke 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