Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Kalispell, MT: $41,687 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Kalispell, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $41,687/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Kalispell's price premium (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $43,334 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$41,687
Top 10% Earn
$20.04/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$34,699
75th Percentile
$41,687
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Senior Salary in Kalispell, MT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kalispell, MT medical billing and coding specialist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Kalispell, MT, senior medical billing and coding specialists can expect to see significant earning potential, particularly among top earners in the field. For 2026, the projected salary for the 90th percentile (P90) is $41,687, while those in the 75th percentile (P75) will likely earn around $34,699 annually. When considering the median annual salary of $28,702, it's clear that with extensive experience—typically more than seven years—professionals can secure a lucrative role that significantly exceeds the base pay. Achieving these top-tier salaries often requires not only deep knowledge of coding practices but also specialized certifications like the CCS for inpatient and CRC for risk adjustment, as well as strong analytical skills to navigate increasingly complex coding scenarios. The opportunity for higher compensation in Kalispell reflects a competitive local market that rewards expertise.

About the Kalispell Market

Salary estimated from Montana average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Kalispell. The median salary is $28,702, compared to the national median of $30,349.$19.5K$25.5K$31.6K$37.7K$43.8K$21.6K10th Pctl$24.7K25th Pctl$28.7KMedian$34.7K75th Pctl$41.7K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Kalispell earn between $34,699 and $41,687 per year (2026 est.). This $20,059 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Kalispell median of $28,702 sits 5.43% below the US median.

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

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelKalispellNational
Median (P50)$28,702$30,349
75th Percentile$34,699$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$41,687$48,159

In Kalispell, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 45.24% 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 Kalispell

1

Advanced Certifications in Montana

MT medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $28,702 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Kalispell employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Kalispell command premium compensation, often reaching the $34,699–$41,687 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Kalispell metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced medical billing and coding specialists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured medical billing and coding specialists in Kalispell with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Montana 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 Kalispell

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$21,628 – $28,702

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$28,702 – $34,699

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$34,699+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Kalispell ranks #3 of 7 Montana cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $41,687).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Kalispell ($41,687) is 7.43% above the Montana average P90 ($38,804).

2021 BLS Actual

$37,253

2025 BLS Actual

$40,742

2026 Current Est.

$41,687

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Kalispell (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 Kalispell. Baseline $37,253 in 2025, projected to $42,654 by 2027.$31.7K$41.4K$51.1K$60.9K$70.6K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$37.3K$37.9K$39.1K$65.0K$40.7K$41.7K$42.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$37,253Actual
2022$37,885Actual
2023$39,065Actual
2024$65,039Actual
2025$40,742Actual
2026(current)$41,687Estimated
2027$42,654Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Kalispell saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $37,253 in 2021 to $40,742 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 $42,654 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

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

Maximizing Your Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Earnings in Kalispell

Diving deeper into the compensation dynamics for senior-level medical billing and coding specialists in Kalispell reveals varying pay across different employment types. Those working in coding offices for physician group practices or hospital inpatient coding departments may find salaries that enhance their overall income through performance bonuses and advancements. Specializations also play a critical role; coding professionals with certifications in inpatient coding (CCS) and outpatient coding (CPC) command higher pay, especially as risk adjustment coding (CRC) continues to grow in demand. Paths to leadership, such as becoming a coding supervisor or HIM director, can further elevate earnings, while credentials like the CPMA or CIC provide additional value in the marketplace. In this evolving landscape, factors beyond salary—such as remote work options and productivity bonuses—can also enhance the appeal of senior roles for seasoned coders in Kalispell.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Kalispell in 2026?

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Kalispell (90th percentile) make $41,687/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $12,985 more than the area median of $28,702 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior medical billing and coding specialists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Kalispell?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Kalispell is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Kalispell?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Kalispell include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $28,702, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Kalispell?

The 90th percentile in Kalispell is $41,687. Reaching six figures in this market may require combining clinical work at multiple practices with additional income from education, consulting, product sales, or relocating to a higher-paying metro area. Advanced certifications and specializations can help close the gap.

How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Kalispell?

In Kalispell, the gap between entry level ($21,628) and top earners ($41,687) is $20,059, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Montana

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

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 $40,742 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Kalispell 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 Kalispell is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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