Entry-Level Medical Coder Salary in Billings, MT: $33,201 (2026)
Quick Answer:New medical coders entering the Billings, MT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,201 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2072, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Billings's local price level (BEA RPP 93.5 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $35,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,084) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the entry-level medical coder salary in Billings, Montana, offers a starting point at approximately $33,201 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, with the overall median for medical coders in the city projected at $41,084. The gap between starting pay and the median suggests that early-career medical coders can expect salary growth as they gain experience and additional skills. Over a three to five-year period, new coders may realistically look forward to earnings approaching the 25th percentile at $35,992 and moving toward the median as they establish their presence in this growing field. With a projected growth rate of 2.32%, Billings appears to be a promising market for new graduates seeking to launch their careers in medical coding.
Career Earnings Timeline in Billings
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Entry-level medical coders in Billings, MT typically start between $33,201 and $35,992 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $18,221 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,084 — 1.86% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical coding program cost in Montana of $3,000 represents just 9.04% of the starting medical coder pay ($33,201/year) in Billings. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
CPC, CCS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Billings
- 1Research the Billings market: entry-level medical coder pay ranges from $33,201 to $35,992, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical coding field — employers in MT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Billings, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Billings for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Billings's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Medical Coder Compensation Range
The medical coder wage spread in Billings is $18,221 ( 54.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,201, experienced hygienists can earn up to $51,422.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,850
2025 BLS Actual
$32,448
2026 Current Est.
$33,201
2021–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Coders in Billings (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,448 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,201 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,971 | Projected |
Entry-level medical coder compensation (10th percentile) in Billings, MT grew 8.7% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,850 in 2021 to $32,448 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,971. New graduates entering the Billings job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings 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.
Starting Your medical coding Career in Billings
In Billings, various healthcare employers are on the lookout for newly minted medical coders, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations often have structured onboarding processes, making them ideal for fresh graduates. To enhance starting medical coder pay in Montana, obtaining credentials such as state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can significantly impact compensation. In the first couple of years, it is essential for new coders to focus on skill development and networking within the industry, as pay scales differ widely based on employer type and the coder's credentials. Realistic salary growth expectations for new coders can see them reaching levels above $35,992 as they move into more specialized roles or take on additional responsibilities. While entry-level positions may feel modest initially, building up experience in Billings offers a practical path toward a fulfilling career in medical coding.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for medical coders in Billings in 2026?
How fast do medical coder salaries grow in Billings?
Is medical coding school worth it in Billings?
What do new medical coders make right out of school in Billings?
How do I become a medical coder in Montana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Montana
Written by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in medical coding. She specializes in inpatient coding at acute care facilities. Aisha works closely with healthcare providers to ensure accurate coding practices.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new medical coding graduates. A 2.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Billings. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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 coders (SOC 29-2072).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, RHIT, CPC, a licensed medical coder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov