Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Moorhead, MN: $25,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Moorhead, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $25,846/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Moorhead's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $26,240 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, experienced medical billing and coding specialists can anticipate a significant earning potential, especially for those reaching the upper echelons of the pay scale. With the 2026 salary range indicating a top earner potential of $25,846, professionals with over seven years of experience can find themselves well-compensated compared to the median annual salary of $16,675 for their field. The gap between these figures reflects the specialized skills and knowledge that seasoned coders bring, which often includes proficiency in complex coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT. Additionally, reaching the high end of the salary spectrum often hinges on continuous education, certification advancements, and mastering high-demand specialties like surgical and risk adjustment coding.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Moorhead earn between $20,384 and $25,846 per year (2026 est.). This $12,892 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moorhead median of $16,675 sits 45.06% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Moorhead | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $16,675 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $20,384 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $25,846 | $48,159 |
In Moorhead, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Pay in Moorhead
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $16,675 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moorhead employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Moorhead command premium compensation, often reaching the $20,384–$25,846 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moorhead metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Moorhead with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Career & Wage Growth Path in Moorhead
Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
5-10 yearsMedical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoorhead ranks #34 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $25,846).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Moorhead ($25,846) is 50.62% below the Minnesota average P90 ($52,344).
2021 BLS Actual
$23,097
2025 BLS Actual
$25,260
2026 Current Est.
$25,846
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Moorhead (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $23,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,220 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $25,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,446 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Moorhead saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $23,097 in 2021 to $25,260 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.32% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $26,446 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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.
Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Moorhead
Among the various factors influencing senior medical billing and coding specialist pay in MN, specialization plays a critical role in determining compensation. In Moorhead, professionals focused on inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment/HCC (CRC) often command higher salaries due to their niche expertise. Compensation can vary notably depending on the employer type; for instance, positions within hospitals may offer different pay structures compared to roles in third-party coding companies or consulting firms. Advancing in this profession might lead to roles such as coding supervisor or HIM director, further enhancing earning potential. Additionally, credentials from respected organizations like AAPC and AHIMA, including options like CCS and CPMA, can result in a boost to overall compensation. With the shift towards remote work since 2020, those who can skillfully navigate both in-office expectations and remote coding criteria stand to benefit greatly in this evolving field.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Moorhead in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Moorhead?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Moorhead?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Moorhead?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Moorhead?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $25,260 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Moorhead metro area. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moorhead 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