Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Pierre, SD: $23,260 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Pierre, SD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $23,260/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Pierre's price premium (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $25,065 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For medical billing and coding specialists in Pierre, South Dakota, reaching the top tier of compensation requires significant experience and specialized skills. Projected salaries for 2026 indicate that the top earners, falling within the 90th percentile, can expect to earn around $23,260 annually, which stands in stark contrast to the city's median salary of $15,346. This income gap reflects the experience premium available in this role and showcases the potential for those with over seven years in the field. Achieving the highest salaries hinges on not only gaining extensive coding experience but also obtaining advanced certifications and focusing on high-demand specializations that appeal to local healthcare providers.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Pierre earn between $19,153 and $23,260 per year (2026 est.). This $12,055 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pierre median of $15,346 sits 49.43% below the US median.
Top MBS Salary Comparison
| Level | Pierre | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $15,346 | $30,349 |
| 75th Percentile | $19,153 | $38,468 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $23,260 | $48,159 |
In Pierre, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 51.57% 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 Pierre
Advanced Certifications in South Dakota
SD medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $15,346 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pierre employers.
Specialty Focus
Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Pierre command premium compensation, often reaching the $19,153–$23,260 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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 South Dakota 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 Pierre
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
AdvancedPierre ranks #5 of 11 South Dakota cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $23,260).
Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Pierre ($23,260) is 48.72% below the South Dakota average P90 ($45,357).
2021 BLS Actual
$20,786
2025 BLS Actual
$22,733
2026 Current Est.
$23,260
2021–2027 Growth
+14.5%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Pierre (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,786 | Actual |
| 2022 | $21,139 | Actual |
| 2023 | $21,797 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,017 | Actual |
| 2025 | $22,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23,260 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23,800 | Projected |
Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Pierre saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $20,786 in 2021 to $22,733 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 $23,800 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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 Pierre
The salary landscape for senior medical billing and coding specialists reveals notable differences influenced by specialization and employer type in Pierre. Professionals with expertise in areas such as inpatient coding (CCS), outpatient coding (CPC), and risk adjustment coding (CRC) are likely to command higher pay, reflecting the increased complexity and demand for these skills. Employment opportunities vary across settings, with physician groups, hospitals, and remote coding firms each offering unique compensation packages and advancement paths. Those looking to elevate their careers can pursue positions such as lead coder, HIM director, or even take on roles within consulting firms. Advanced credentials can further enhance earning potential; certifications from AAPC and AHIMA increase appeal and salary prospects. In this evolving market, also consider how the shift toward remote work has changed expectations for productivity and compensation structures, as top earners often benefit from efficiency bonuses and flexible working arrangements.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced medical billing and coding specialists make in Pierre in 2026?
What drives higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Pierre?
What certifications boost medical billing and coding specialist salary in Pierre?
Can experienced medical billing and coding specialists make six figures in Pierre?
How much does medical billing and coding specialist salary increase over time in Pierre?
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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 $22,733 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Pierre 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 Pierre 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