Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Medford, OR: $25,163 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,163 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 101.4 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $24,808 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($29,804) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of medical billing and coding in Medford, Oregon, a starting salary of around $25,163 is a realistic expectation for 2026. This is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $29,804, creating a gap that may encourage new coders to seek additional training or specializations to enhance their earning potential. Over the first few years in the profession, entry-level specialists can anticipate growth in earnings, moving from this starting pay to approximately $26,890 within a few years. Given the consistent demand for medical billing and coding professionals, Medford remains a favorable market for new graduates, offering a competitive edge with a modest growth rate of 2.32% annually for the profession over the next five years.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Medford, OR typically start between $25,163 and $26,890 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,717 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $29,804 — 1.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Oregon of $4,500 represents just 17.88% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,163/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,163 to $26,890, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $18,717 ( 74.38%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,163, experienced hygienists can earn up to $43,880.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$35,880
2025 BLS Actual
$24,592
2026 Current Est.
$25,163
2021–2027 Growth
+-28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Medford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,400 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $24,592 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,163 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25,746 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew -31.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,880 in 2021 to $24,592 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,746. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
In Medford, numerous employers actively seek out freshly minted graduates who possess the foundational skills necessary for success in medical billing and coding. Third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams often hire certified professional coders with apprentice designations (CPC-A) while providing structured mentorship. Although physician group practices and outpatient Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) frequently offer entry-level roles, obtaining credentials such as the AAPC CPC or AHIMA CCS can be beneficial for advancement. To maximize initial earning potential in Oregon, new professionals should consider continuous education focused on ICD-10-CM, risk adjustment, and HCC coding. The industry has experienced a massive shift to remote work, with opportunities expanding for those who stay informed on coding updates and trends. In the early career years, salary growth can be achieved through gaining certifications and focusing on the highest-demand specialties, indicating that proactive engagement in professional development is key to increasing new grad medical billing and coding specialist pay OR.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical billing and coding specialists in Medford in 2026?
How fast do medical billing and coding specialist salaries grow in Medford?
Is medical billing and coding school worth it in Medford?
What do new medical billing and coding specialists make right out of school in Medford?
How do I become a medical billing and coding specialist in Oregon?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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