Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Woodbury, MN: $12,729 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Woodbury, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $12,729 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Woodbury's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $12,923 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($17,566) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Woodbury, Minnesota, can expect to earn an entry-level medical billing and coding specialist salary ranging from $12,729 at the 10th percentile to $27,227 at the 90th percentile. This range highlights a significant disparity, especially when the city’s median annual salary is projected at $17,566. For those starting their careers, realistic expectations may align more closely with the 25th percentile of $14,821, illustrating that while initial salaries can be low, there is a promising growth trajectory. Over the first few years, entry-level specialists can anticipate a gradual increase in salary as they gain experience and potentially achieve the median salary, making Woodbury a viable market for new graduates seeking opportunities in this evolving field.
About the Woodbury Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Woodbury
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 Woodbury
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Woodbury, MN typically start between $12,729 and $14,821 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $14,498 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $17,566 — 42.12% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Minnesota of $4,200 represents just 33.00% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($12,729/year) in Woodbury. 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 Woodbury
- 1Research the Woodbury market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $12,729 to $14,821, 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 Woodbury, 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 Woodbury for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Woodbury'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 Woodbury is $14,498 ( 113.90%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $12,729, experienced hygienists can earn up to $27,227.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$9,895
2025 BLS Actual
$12,440
2026 Current Est.
$12,729
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Woodbury (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $9,895 | Actual |
| 2022 | $10,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $11,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $12,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $12,729 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $13,024 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Woodbury, MN grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $9,895 in 2021 to $12,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $13,024. New graduates entering the Woodbury job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodbury 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 Woodbury
Employers across Woodbury hiring new medical billing and coding specialists typically include a mix of outpatient settings and third-party coding firms. Physician group practices and ambulatory surgical centers are inclined to offer entry-level roles with mentorship for those holding credentialing such as AAPC's CPC or CPC-A. For higher-level positions in hospital inpatient coding, credentials like AHIMA’s CCS are preferred. As the industry shifts, newly minted coders should focus on staying current with ICD-10-CM and CPT updates, which are crucial for continuous learning in this increasingly remote work environment. Additionally, specialization in high-demand areas like risk adjustment and HCC coding can enhance earning potential significantly. With the right credentials and ongoing education, new professionals can realistically aim for salary increases in their first few years as they build their skills and expertise in this competitive market.
More salary data for Woodbury, 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 Woodbury. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Woodbury 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