Medical Billing Salary

Entry-Level Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Wausau, WI: $24,724 (2026)

Quick Answer:New medical billing and coding specialists entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $24,724 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.77% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $26,685 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($30,076) within a few years of clinical practice.

$24,724
Starting Salary
$11.89/hr
Starting Hourly
$24,724
Entry Level
$30,076
Career Median Target

Official BLS data · View source

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

In Wausau, Wisconsin, those entering the field of medical billing and coding can expect to see starting salaries around $24,724 in 2026. While this figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $30,076 for the region, it nonetheless offers a viable entry point for new graduates. Over the course of the first few years in this career, an individual's earnings can progress from this base level toward the first quartile salary of $28,605, eventually leading to the overall median as skills and experience increase. Given the projected growth rate of 2.32% annually, Wausau remains a reasonable market for new professionals, especially those willing to invest in continued education and credentialing.

Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$24,724/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$28,605/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$30,076/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$35,839/yr

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wausau

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Wausau. The median salary is $30,076, compared to the national median of $30,349.$22.3K$28.4K$34.6K$40.8K$47.0K$24.7K10th Pctl$28.6K25th Pctl$30.1KMedian$35.8K75th Pctl$44.8K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Wausau, WI typically start between $24,724 and $28,605 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $20,076 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $30,0760.9% below the national median.

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

Return on Investment

$3,500
Avg WI Program Cost
$24,724
Starting Salary
14.16%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average medical billing and coding program cost in Wisconsin of $3,500 represents just 14.16% of the starting medical billing and coding specialist pay ($24,724/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau

  • 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level medical billing and coding specialist pay ranges from $24,724 to $28,605, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Wausau's below-average 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 Wausau is $20,076 ( 81.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $24,724, experienced hygienists can earn up to $44,800.

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

2021 BLS Actual

$37,040

2025 BLS Actual

$24,163

2026 Current Est.

$24,724

2021–2027 Growth

+-31.7%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Wausau (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 Wausau. Baseline $37,040 in 2025, projected to $25,297 by 2027.$20.3K$27.1K$33.9K$40.7K$47.5K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$37.0K$39.0K$43.6K$41.0K$24.2K$24.7K$25.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$37,040Actual
2022$39,050Actual
2023$43,590Actual
2024$41,010Actual
2025$24,163Actual
2026(current)$24,724Estimated
2027$25,297Projected

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialist compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew -34.8% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,040 in 2021 to $24,163 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $25,297. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau

A variety of local employers seek entry-level medical billing and coding specialists, including third-party coding companies and payer coding audit teams. These organizations often provide structured mentorship opportunities for CPC-A credential holders. Physician group practices and outpatient ambulatory surgical centers typically recruit for entry-level CPC positions, while inpatient coding roles, which require more specialized skills, necessitate credentials like the CCS. Pursuing certifications from recognized bodies such as AAPC or AHIMA can lead to improved initial pay and job security in Wisconsin’s competitive market. New coders should focus on honing their knowledge of the ICD-10-CM and stay updated on quarterly CPT revisions, as the field has transitioned heavily to remote work. With a strong emphasis on risk adjustment and HCC coding due to growth in Medicare Advantage and ACA marketplaces, new hires in this niche can expect salary increases that align with their evolving skills and certifications over the first three years of their careers in Wausau.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level medical billing and coding specialists in Wausau start at approximately $24,724/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 $11.89/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 Wausau?

Most medical billing and coding specialists in Wausau progress from the entry-level salary of $24,724 to the area median of $30,076 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $44,800 (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 Wausau?

With a starting salary of $24,724/year in Wausau 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 Wausau?

New medical billing and coding graduates in Wausau typically start near the 10th percentile at $24,724/year, or approximately $11.89/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 Wisconsin?

To become a licensed medical billing and coding specialist in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin

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 Wausau. 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

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