Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Amherst, MA: $34,338 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Amherst, MA earns a median $34,338/year (≈ $16.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Amherst's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $31,648 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for a medical billing and coding specialist in Amherst, Massachusetts, is $34,338, significantly higher than the national figure of $30,349, positioning Amherst at a competitive +13.14%. Salaries in the region reflect a broad range, from $24,513 at the tenth percentile to $51,849 at the ninetieth percentile. Professionals who achieve further credentials—such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)—can enhance their earning potential over their career lifespan. Such credentials often correlate with specialized knowledge, increasing the value of coders in the local job market where demand for skilled specialists continues to grow, driven by advancements in coding technologies and healthcare regulations.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,513 | $11.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30,668 | $14.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $34,338 | $16.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42,403 | $20.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51,849 | $24.93 |
Median Salary Position
13.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Amherst
In Amherst, MA, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,336 (2026 est.). At $34,338, the local median is 13.14% above the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Amherst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Amherst Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Amherst median: $34,338/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Amherst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $34,649 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | +13.14% more |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Amherst, MA earn a median of $34,338 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.14% higher than the national median of $30,349 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $34,649.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Amherst has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Amherst, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $34,338 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $31,648 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$30,619
2025 BLS Actual
$33,559
2026 Current Est.
$34,338
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Amherst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,508 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,338 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,134 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Amherst metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $30,619 (2021) to $33,559 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $35,134 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,515 (14.75%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Amherst 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $24,513 – $30,668 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $30,668 – $34,338 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $34,338 – $42,403 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $42,403 – $51,849 |
MBS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical billing and coding specialist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Job Market in Amherst
The local job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Amherst sees around six professionals currently employed in this niche. Given the cost-of-living index at 108.5, which is above the national average, understanding the actual purchasing power and potential take-home pay in this area is crucial. Employers from various sectors, including hospital inpatient coding departments and third-party coding companies, tend to offer the most competitive pay. Factors such as specialty—where inpatient coding (CCS) typically commands higher salaries compared to outpatient coding (CPC)—and credential stacking play significant roles in the salary variations. Coders focusing on audit and compliance subspecialties often secure premium rates and can earn additional income through productivity bonuses tied to the number of charts coded. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in the Amherst market, pursuing certifications and seeking remote positions can provide more lucrative opportunities alongside an ever-evolving coding landscape.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $33,559 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Amherst metropolitan area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Amherst 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