Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Westerly, RI: $16,521 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical billing and coding specialist in Westerly, RI earns a median $16,521/year (≈ $7.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2072). Once you factor in Westerly's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $16,439 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the medical billing and coding specialist salary in Westerly, Rhode Island, is projected to reach a median of $16,521. This figure is indicative of the local market, where salaries range from $13,281 at the 10th percentile to $24,805 at the 90th percentile. The disparity in earnings underscores the impact of credential stacking on lifetime earning potential, as specialists with certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) can position themselves toward the higher end of the salary spectrum. These estimates stem from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting the unique compensation landscape for coding professionals in Westerly as compared to the national median of $30,349.
About the Westerly Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13,281 | $6.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $14,787 | $7.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $16,521 | $7.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $19,900 | $9.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $24,805 | $11.93 |
Median Salary Position
45.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Westerly
In Westerly, RI, the medical billing and coding specialist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $11,524 (2026 est.). At $16,521, the local median is 45.56% below the national median of $30,349.
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At 40 hours/week in Westerly: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Westerly Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay Compares
Westerly median: $16,521/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Westerly Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $17,688 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $30,349 | -45.56% less |
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Westerly, RI earn a median of $16,521 per year (2026 est.), which is 45.56% lower than the national median of $30,349 and 6.60% below the Rhode Island state average of $17,688.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Westerly has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Westerly, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $16,521 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $16,439 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$14,732
2025 BLS Actual
$16,146
2026 Current Est.
$16,521
2021–2027 Growth
+14.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Westerly (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $14,896 | Actual |
| 2023 | $15,401 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,681 | Actual |
| 2025 | $16,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $16,521 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $16,904 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Westerly metropolitan area, the median medical billing and coding specialist salary grew 9.6% from $14,732 (2021) to $16,146 (2025). At a 2.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $16,904 by 2027 — a total increase of $2,172 (14.74%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westerly 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) | $13,281 – $14,787 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $14,787 – $16,521 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $16,521 – $19,900 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $19,900 – $24,805 |
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 Westerly
The job market for medical billing and coding specialists in Westerly currently comprises only five professionals, creating a tight-knit community for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, professionals may find their take-home pay somewhat constrained, impacting purchasing power. Among local employers, physician group practices may offer higher pay compared to third-party coding companies and outpatient centers. Factors influencing salary variability include specific coding specialties, with inpatient coding generally commanding higher wages than outpatient scenarios; credential stacking significantly enhances earning potential as well. As remote work becomes the norm for coding jobs, understanding the local dynamics and specializing in high-demand areas like risk adjustment coding could provide strategies for maximizing pay within this market.
More salary data for Westerly, RI:
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 $16,146 for medical billing and coding specialistsin the Westerly 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 Westerly 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