Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Pullman, WA: $25,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Pullman, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $25,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pullman's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,924 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($33,221) 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 Pullman, Washington can expect a starting annual salary of around $25,694. This amount represents the entry-level threshold in a market where the median salary for this role is projected to be $33,221 in 2026. For those just starting their careers, the journey typically begins at the lower end of the salary spectrum, with opportunities to increase earnings as they gain experience. As entry-level professionals navigate their early years in the field, reaching a salary corresponding to the 25th percentile at approximately $29,108 over the first 3 to 5 years is a realistic expectation. Considering the city’s overall competitive pay scale, Pullman presents a favorable environment for new medical billing and coding specialists to grow in their careers.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pullman
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 Pullman
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Pullman, WA typically start between $25,694 and $29,108 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,799 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $33,221 — 9.46% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical billing and coding program cost in Washington of $4,800 represents just 18.68% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($25,694/year) in Pullman. 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 Pullman
- 1Research the Pullman market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $25,694 to $29,108, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Pullman, 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 Pullman for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Pullman'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 Pullman is $25,799 ( 100.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $25,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,493.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,973
2025 BLS Actual
$25,111
2026 Current Est.
$25,694
2021–2027 Growth
+31.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pullman (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,808 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,290 | Projected |
Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Pullman, WA grew 25.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,973 in 2021 to $25,111 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,290. New graduates entering the Pullman job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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 Pullman
Several employers in Pullman are actively seeking entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams, which often welcome candidates with CPC-A (apprentice) certifications. Additionally, outpatient facilities and physician group practices provide pathways into entry-level positions that can lead to significant career development. For those aiming to boost their starting pay, obtaining credentials from recognized bodies like AAPC or AHIMA is advantageous. New graduates should focus on learning ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS guidelines, as staying updated is vital in the post-pandemic medical coding environment that has shifted towards approximately 80% remote work. The highest demand currently lies within risk adjustment and HCC coding for Medicare Advantage plans. Realistically, new graduates can expect pay growth in their first three years based on skill and ongoing education, leading to a successful career in medical billing and coding within Pullman, WA.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
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 Pullman. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pullman 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