Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Payson, UT: $18,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Payson, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $18,693 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Payson's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $19,055 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($25,626) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the medical billing and coding field in Payson, Utah, can expect to start with a salary around $18,693 annually in 2026. This starting figure is notably lower than the city median salary of $25,626, indicating that newly minted specialists might find themselves at a financial disadvantage compared to their more experienced peers. However, there’s room for advancement; entry-level professionals can aim to progress towards the 25th percentile salary of $23,115 within a few years, and the upward trajectory continues up to the median as they gain experience in the field. Given the current economic factors and growing healthcare industry in Payson, it's a reasonable market for new grads to establish a foothold and begin their careers.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Payson
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 Payson
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Payson, UT typically start between $18,693 and $23,115 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,601 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $25,626 — 15.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Utah of $3,200 represents just 17.12% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($18,693/year) in Payson. 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 Payson
- 1Research the Payson market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $18,693 to $23,115, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Payson, 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 Payson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Payson'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 Payson is $18,601 ( 99.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $18,693, experienced hygienists can earn up to $37,294.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$14,531
2025 BLS Actual
$18,269
2026 Current Est.
$18,693
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Payson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $15,657 | Actual |
| 2023 | $17,321 | Actual |
| 2024 | $31,718 | Actual |
| 2025 | $18,269 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19,127 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Payson, UT grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $14,531 in 2021 to $18,269 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $19,127. New graduates entering the Payson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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 Payson
In Payson, various employers actively seek out entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, providing new graduates with valuable opportunities. Coding companies, payer coding audit teams, and outpatient facilities often hire candidates certified as CPC-A (apprentice) to ensure they receive structured mentorship. For those interested in inpatient coding, the CCS credential can be advantageous. The AAPC and AHIMA offer certifications that can significantly boost starting pay in Utah, including the AAPC's CPC and potential HCC coding options. The evolving nature of the job since 2020, which now includes approximately 80% remote positions, emphasizes the need for ongoing education and adaptability, especially regarding updates to ICD-10-CM and CPT codes. New coders should realistically aim for incremental salary increases as they gain experience, with those having solid credentials likely finding more competition and demand for their skills.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
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 Payson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Payson 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