Medical Billing Salary

Senior Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Salary in Onalaska, WI: $56,244 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of medical billing and coding specialists working in Onalaska, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $56,244/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2072. Strip back Onalaska's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $60,218 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$56,244
Top 10% Earn
$27.04/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$46,852
75th Percentile
$56,244
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

Experienced professionals in the medical billing and coding sector in Onalaska, Wisconsin can anticipate earning competitive salaries well above the national average. By 2026, top earners can expect to see a remarkable annual salary of $56,244, while those performing in the 75th percentile may earn around $46,852. This showcases a significant experience premium, given that the median salary for this occupation is projected at $38,845. Achieving top-tier pay in this market hinges on advanced coding skills, relevant certifications, and the ability to navigate complex billing systems effectively, highlighting the value of experience in elevating one’s earning potential in this growing field.

About the Onalaska Market

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

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Onalaska

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for medical billing and coding specialists in Onalaska. The median salary is $38,845, compared to the national median of $30,349.$26.2K$34.4K$42.6K$50.8K$59.1K$29.1K10th Pctl$34.9K25th Pctl$38.8KMedian$46.9K75th Pctl$56.2K90th PctlUS Median$30.3K

Experienced medical billing and coding specialists at the top of the pay scale in Onalaska earn between $46,852 and $56,244 per year (2026 est.). This $27,131 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Onalaska median of $38,845 sits 27.99% above the US median.

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

Top MBS Salary Comparison

LevelOnalaskaNational
Median (P50)$38,845$30,349
75th Percentile$46,852$38,468
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$56,244$48,159

In Onalaska, experienced medical billing and coding specialists (P90) earn 44.79% 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 Onalaska

1

Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin

WI medical billing and coding specialists with additional specialty certifications within the medical billing and coding field earn significantly above the $38,845 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Onalaska employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical billing and coding field in Onalaska command premium compensation, often reaching the $46,852–$56,244 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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 Wisconsin 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 Onalaska

Clinical Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

0-5 years
$29,113 – $38,845

Senior/Lead Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

5-10 years
$38,845 – $46,852

Medical Billing and Coding Specialist Department Manager

10+ years
$46,852+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Onalaska ranks #3 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner medical billing and coding specialist salary (90th percentile: $56,244).

Top 10% medical billing and coding specialist compensation in Onalaska ($56,244) is 20.05% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($46,851).

2021 BLS Actual

$50,261

2025 BLS Actual

$54,969

2026 Current Est.

$56,244

2021–2027 Growth

+14.5%

Salary Trajectory for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in Onalaska (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 Onalaska. Baseline $50,261 in 2025, projected to $57,549 by 2027.$47.8K$52.1K$56.5K$60.9K$65.3K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$50.3K$51.1K$52.7K$62.8K$55.0K$56.2K$57.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$50,261Actual
2022$51,115Actual
2023$52,707Actual
2024$62,805Actual
2025$54,969Actual
2026(current)$56,244Estimated
2027$57,549Projected

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists (90th percentile) in Onalaska saw their compensation grow 9.4% from $50,261 in 2021 to $54,969 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 $57,549 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

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

A variety of specialized skill sets significantly influence salary expectations for senior medical billing and coding specialists in Onalaska. Those proficient in inpatient coding (with CCS certification) or outpatient coding (CCS-P or CPC) typically command higher compensation rates, with risk adjustment and HCC coding also seeing robust growth due to an increased focus on Medicare Advantage plans. Employers in diverse sectors, such as physician group practices, hospital inpatient departments, and remote coding companies, offer varying pay scales, reflecting their specific coding needs. Senior-level professionals can pursue advancement into roles like coding supervisor, compliance auditor, or HIM director, bolstered by valuable credentials like AAPC's CPC and AHIMA's CCS. In this marketplace, combining credentials and experience can lead to enhanced pay, particularly as healthcare providers increasingly value specialists capable of delivering high-quality, compliant coding solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Top-earning medical billing and coding specialists in Onalaska (90th percentile) make $56,244/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 2.32% annual growth). This is $17,399 more than the area median of $38,845 — 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 Onalaska?

Higher medical billing and coding specialist pay in Onalaska 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 Onalaska?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for medical billing and coding specialists in Onalaska include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $38,845, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

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

The 90th percentile in Onalaska is $56,244. 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 Onalaska?

In Onalaska, the gap between entry level ($29,113) and top earners ($56,244) is $27,131, 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 Wisconsin

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 $54,969 for medical billing and coding specialists in the Onalaska 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 Onalaska 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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