Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Saratoga Springs, NY: $22,795 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Saratoga Springs, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $22,795 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Saratoga Springs's local price level (BEA RPP 115.916% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,668 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,409) within a few years of clinical practice.

$22,795
Starting Salary
$10.96/hr
Starting Hourly
$22,795
Entry Level
$29,409
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Entry Level Salary in Saratoga Springs, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Saratoga Springs, NY medical billing and coding specialist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

For those entering the field of medical billing and coding in Saratoga Springs, NY, the starting medical billing and coding specialist salary is projected at $22,795 in 2026. This figure is below the city’s median salary of $29,409, indicating that new graduates can expect to begin their careers at a lower pay level while they gain experience and develop their skill sets. With a growth trajectory from this entry-level position leading to opportunities at the $25,805 threshold and subsequently toward the median within the first three to five years, there remains potential for salary advancement. Given the local job market dynamics, including the demand for medical billers and coders amid the ongoing shift to remote work, Saratoga Springs represents a viable option for recent graduates eager to begin their careers in this essential healthcare sector.

About the Saratoga Springs Market

Salary estimated from New York average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Saratoga Springs

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$22,795/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$25,805/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$29,409/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$35,869/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Saratoga Springs

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs. The median salary is $29,409, compared to the national median of $30,349.$20.5K$27.4K$34.2K$41.0K$47.9K$22.8K10th Pctl$25.8K25th Pctl$29.4KMedian$35.9K75th Pctl$45.6K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs, NY typically start between $22,795 and $25,805 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,4093.1% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of medical billing and coding specialist pay in the Saratoga Springs metro area.

Return on Investment

$7,000
Avg NY Program Cost
$22,795
Starting Salary
30.71%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in New York of $7,000 represents just 30.71% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($22,795/year) in Saratoga Springs. 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 Saratoga Springs

  • 1Research the Saratoga Springs market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $22,795 to $25,805, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Saratoga Springs, 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 Saratoga Springs for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Factor in Saratoga Springs's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Compensation Range

The medical billing and coding specialist wage spread in Saratoga Springs is $22,789 ( 99.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $22,795, experienced hygienists can earn up to $45,584.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$17,720

2025 BLS Actual

$22,278

2026 Current Est.

$22,795

2021–2027 Growth

+31.6%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Saratoga Springs (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs. Baseline $17,720 in 2025, projected to $23,324 by 2027.$11.4K$22.5K$33.5K$44.6K$55.6K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.7K$19.1K$21.1K$49.3K$22.3K$22.8K$23.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$17,720Actual
2022$19,093Actual
2023$21,122Actual
2024$49,295Actual
2025$22,278Actual
2026(current)$22,795Estimated
2027$23,324Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Saratoga Springs, NY grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $17,720 in 2021 to $22,278 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $23,324. New graduates entering the Saratoga Springs job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saratoga Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Saratoga Springs

In Saratoga Springs, several employers actively recruit new graduates for entry-level roles in medical billing and coding. Organizations such as third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams frequently hire CPC-A coders, providing structured mentorship that can facilitate a smoother transition for those just starting. Additionally, physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) offer promising entry-level opportunities, while those interested in inpatient coding may need to pursue further certification, such as the CCS designation. Aspiring professionals are encouraged to enhance their credentials with relevant certifications from AAPC or AHIMA, which could boost starting salaries significantly. The continuous updates in coding systems like ICD-10-CM and quarterly CPT revisions necessitate ongoing education and adaptability, particularly as risk adjustment and HCC coding gain traction as highly sought specialties. With realistic salary growth expectations, recent graduates can anticipate increases over the first three years, especially if they engage in continuous learning and credentialing to stay competitive in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs in 2026?

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs start at approximately $22,795/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $10.96/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Saratoga Springs?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Saratoga Springs progress from the entry-level salary of $22,795 to the area median of $29,409 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $45,584 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Saratoga Springs?

With a starting salary of $22,795/year in Saratoga Springs and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new medical billing and coding specialists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Saratoga Springs?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Saratoga Springs typically start near the 10th percentile at $22,795/year, or approximately $10.96/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in New York?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in New York, you typically need postsecondary certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding from an accredited program, plus optional professional certification, then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including New York, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some medical billing and coding specialists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in New York

AP

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RHITData verified by Sofia Nguyen, CCS

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 Saratoga Springs. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Saratoga Springs is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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