Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Chaska, MN: $12,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Chaska, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,670 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Chaska's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,863 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($17,135) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a medical billing and coding specialist in Chaska, MN, the starting salary for 2026 reflects a gap from the city's median annual salary of $17,135. Entry-level positions offer an annual salary of around $12,670, which can feel discouraging when it's significantly lower than the local median. However, newcomers can expect a trajectory where salaries gradually increase over the first few years, moving from $12,670 to approximately $14,584 at the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. In this growing job market, Chaska presents a viable opportunity for new graduates who are equipped for entry-level roles and willing to pursue continuous education in coding.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Chaska
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 Chaska
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Chaska, MN typically start between $12,670 and $14,584 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $13,113 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $17,135 — 43.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 33.15% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,670/year) in Chaska. 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 Chaska
- 1Research the Chaska market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,670 to $14,584, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Chaska, 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 Chaska for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Chaska'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 Chaska is $13,113 ( 103.50%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,670, experienced hygienists can earn up to $25,783.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,850
2025 BLS Actual
$12,383
2026 Current Est.
$12,670
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Chaska (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,613 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,250 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,383 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $12,964 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Chaska, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,850 in 2021 to $12,383 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $12,964. New graduates entering the Chaska job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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 Chaska
New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Chaska should consider various avenues for employment. Opportunities often exist with third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams that commonly hire entry-level staff, especially those with an AAPC CPC-A certification or AHIMA CCS-P credential. Physician group practices and outpatient surgical centers also provide entry-level positions but usually favor candidates with outpatient credentials. Staying current with coding practices is vital, particularly in a market that has shifted toward a remote work model for roughly 80% of jobs post-2020, emphasizing the need for continuous learning, particularly in ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT updates. New hires in this field can realistically expect incremental growth in their salaries over the first 1 to 3 years, particularly if they pursue further credentials such as a risk adjustment or HCC coding certification, which is currently a high-demand specialty in the region.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
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 Chaska. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chaska 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